Developmental football projects in Zambia have suffered a huge setback with world football governing body FIFA restricting funding to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

In August last year, FIFA ruled that the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) pay Aljosa Asanovic US$ 1.1 million for wrongful dismissal eight months into his four-year-long deal as Chipolopolo coach. 

However, FAZ appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which has since been thrown off the window by CAS.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga has confirmed in a statement that its appeal has fallen on deaf ears.

“We wish to confirm that we are in receipt of the verdict by the International Court for Sports Arbitration (CAS) which has upheld the decision by the single judge to award former coach Aljosa Asanovic for unlawful dismissal.

“The reason for the dismissal of our appeal have not yet been shared but will be availed in due course and will determine our next course of action,” Kamanga said.

Kamanga said FIFA has indicated that it will withhold funding to Zambia until Football House honours it dues.

“In the meantime, FIFA will restrict the development funds FAZ is entitled to until the same is fully satisfied,” Kamanga said.

FIFA, under its Forward Development Programme funds its member associations (FAs) in developing football infrastructure, improving governance, and enhancing overall performance.

The program provides annual grants to FAs for various purposes, including: Infrastructure development, Governance and administration
Competitions and events, Development programs and Education.

The funding allocation is based on a tier system, with FAs categorized into five tiers based on their development needs and performance. The funding ranges from US$750,000 to US$6 million per year, depending on the tier.