According to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has disputed media claims that he accused the association’s management of inexperience.

Israeli publication ONE, reported that Grant partly blamed FAZ for the team’s poor performance.

“It is not only that the players are inexperienced. The entire management of the association in Zambia is inexperienced, one that is not from football at all and has never been to the African Championship,” Grant was quoted as saying.

However, in response, the association says the 68-year-old former Chelsea FC and Ghana trainer has described the report as false.

In a statement issued on Monday evening, Grant is quoted as saying, “I have been made aware of statements circulating in my name purportedly attacking the Football Association of Zambia. In my 50 years of coaching, I have always kept to the practice of airing my grievances with the affected parties face-to-face.

“Nobody should use my name to create a rift between me and FAZ or the Zambian people. It has never happened in 50 years of coaching that I speak through third parties and it is not about to start. I have not made any statements to any media. We have had a very progressive post-tournament with FAZ which was held on a cordial and respectful manner.”

Grant was appointed head coach for the Chipolopolo Boys in December 2022 on a two-year deal.

He went on to qualify Zambia for the AFCON for the first time after a nine-year absence.

Following Zambia’s early exit from the AFCON, both the Zambian government and FAZ backed him to keep his position as head coach.