Several Chipolopolo players have turned down national team call-ups for the international friendlies against Sudan and Tunisia, citing unpaid allowances dating as far back as 2023.
BolaNews understands that the players have not received their dues for several past assignments. Notably, a similar boycott occurred ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last year due to the same issue.
In response, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has cancelled the two friendly matches, which were scheduled for June 6 and 10 in Morocco, citing player withdrawal and acts of sabotage.
Speaking during a press briefing at Football House in Lusaka on Friday, FAZ President Keith Mweemba expressed deep regret over the cancellation, calling it unfortunate.
“Regrettably, we had to take a last-minute decision to cancel this very important outing due to serious and unfortunate occurrences,” Mweemba said.
According to Mweemba, some players declined to travel for the friendlies, citing outstanding allowances from the team’s last assignment in Russia in March and other unresolved payments.
“Certain individuals — some of the players included — have refused to travel, citing issues around unpaid allowances from their last outing in Russia and other past dues. Let me be very clear: this is totally unacceptable,” Mweemba stated, warning that such actions are seen as attempts to embarrass the nation and undermine the national badge.
This country is not short of talent- Mweemba
Mweemba reminded players of the significance of representing the national team, evoking the memory of the Gabon Air Disaster and Zambia’s resilience in building a new team that reached the AFCON final in 1994 and placed third in 1996.
He stressed that while players have the right to fair treatment and compensation, using the national team as a platform for boycotts or manipulation is unacceptable.
“This jersey represents about 20 million people. It is not for sale, and it cannot be held hostage,” Mweemba said. “This country is not short of talent. Zambia is bigger than all of us. We will protect and honour those who value the flag — but we will move forward without those who see the national team as a bargaining chip.”
He added, “No individual is bigger than the badge and indeed the country. If your loyalty to Zambia is conditional, then this door may not be yours to walk through in the future. We do not need anyone who is unpatriotic to this country.”
Mweemba alleges Sabotage
Mweemba alleged attempts at sabotage by individuals with vested interests, including potential influence over players, to destabilise the national setup.
“We are aware of who you are. We are watching. And your days of holding Zambian football hostage are numbered. Watch the space!” he declared, warning that anyone found undermining national interests — whether a former official, player, or administrator — would face disciplinary or legal action.
Mweemba also revealed that the newly elected FAZ executive, which assumed office on May 9, has yet to receive a full handover from the previous administration. He said the new leadership has inherited a financially strained organisation, weighed down by unpaid obligations — including allowances, accommodation fees, and other liabilities — amounting to over ZMW 100 million.
“Let me be transparent: the coffers are dry. We are working on dismantling a huge debt,” he said, adding that despite this, the association had tried to mobilise funds to honour the Morocco fixtures.
The FAZ president closed with a warning that those undermining the national football programme would not be tolerated, while pledging that the association would honour and protect patriotic contributors to Zambian football.
“To be forewarned is to be forearmed… All players, cranks, busybodies and other mischief-makers must take note of this very serious warning.”
He assured the public that the executive committee, scheduled to meet for the first time tomorrow, is focused on restructuring and restoring the integrity of Zambian football.
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