Newly elected Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has officially taken office at Football House and begun his duties.
Speaking to the media at Football House today, Mweemba faced questions regarding the future of Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant. The Israeli coach has been accused by Saudi Arabia-based striker Fashion Sakala of pressuring players to sign with his agent, Nir Karin, in exchange for national team call-ups—allegations Grant has strongly denied, calling them “total lies.”
On whether Grant’s contract will be reviewed, Mweemba clarified that he has no immediate plans for such action, stressing the need to respect existing legal agreements.
“It’s not necessarily for a positive review because remember, a contract is a binding legal document. I want us to understand the contents. We want to make sure that the way we handle coaches is done within the confines of that contract,” Mweemba said.
There remains uncertainty regarding the specific terms of Grant’s contract, with his initial agreement having expired late last year.
“We don’t want to go astray and then find ourselves in problems,” Mweemba stated. “Because this is an existing contract. It’s already working. If you talk about reviewing, those are now matters of contractual engagement at a later time.
“I think that is basically it; it has nothing to do with reviewing or chasing anyone or breaching anyone’s contract. The fact that I am the FAZ president does not make me stop being a lawyer. So I know the importance of respecting the law, and it’s just to encourage the coaches and see how we can work together,” concluded Mweemba, who also officially announced his resignation as FC MUZA president.
On the Grant-Sakala Issue
Regarding the tension between Grant and Sakala, Mweemba assured that the matter would be handled with dialogue and mediation.
“I talked about reconciling the football family. This is why I want to ask to engage all the coaches. Obviously, as we interact with the coaches, this is one of the issues that we are going to discuss,” he said.
“I cannot come through a press briefing and make pronouncements. I haven’t met the coach. That won’t be leadership. I have to see the coach, engage the coach, and look at where the problem is, and engage the player. But I must mention that without wanting to promote indiscipline in any club or in any player, because we can only succeed with discipline.”
Mweemba added that while it is important for the coach to feel supported, protecting the players is equally vital, emphasizing that dialogue will be the key to resolving the dispute.
“We also want the players to be respected. We also want the coach to feel supported. Those are things that now we shall bring the parties together and provide leadership and resolve the issue because Fashion Sakala is a very important player for our national team. Avram Grant is a very important coach for our national team. When you have the skill of mediation or reconciling parties, this will be resolved,” Mweemba confidently said.
“Just have no mistake. I think it will be resolved. A solution will be found. Just know that a solution will be found, and we shall all be happy and move forward together. I won’t need to disclose the details of who is wrong and who is right; I think it’s not important. What is important is that the issue will be resolved. We shall provide leadership, and that issue will be resolved,” assured the Lusaka lawyer.
Sakala has been absent from the national team since January 2024, following his allegations against Grant. The matter remains a point of contention, but FAZ’s new leadership is committed to finding a resolution.
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