The Copper Queens could miss out on this year’s Paris Olympic Games, should Football House comply with a court order that bars them from holding today’s annual general meeting.
Prior to today’s Football Association of Zambia ordinary AGM in Lusaka, football administrator Damiano Mutale threw in a spanner by obtaining a Court Injunction.
As things stand, if FAZ holds the AGM, they risk a contempt citation, and the FA will be in court today to seek an injunction.
“Following an application by our lawyers for the discharge of the exparte order (one sided) injunction obtained by two non-members, our lawyers did apply for the discharge of the order and the hearing has been set for Saturday morning,” Football House general secretary Rueben Kamanga has said.
FIFA Member Associations Officer, Kenny Jean-Marie has asked advised FAZ to go on with the AGM or risk a suspension.
“Please note that the order of the High Court of Zambia dated 24 April 2024 appears to clearly amount to undue influence by third parties which could be considered as a violation of Article 19 paragraph 1 of the FIFA Statutes and Article 7 paragraph 1.g. of the CAF Statutes.
What could this mean for the Copper Queens?
“As a result, FIFA takes the view that any further attempt by a third party to prevent the FAZ Annual General Meeting from taking place might be considered a violation to the above- mentioned principle, which would oblige our institution to bring the matter to the attention of the relevant FIFA bodies for consideration of possible sanctions in line with the FIFA Statutes.
“For the avoidance of doubt, please note that the infringement of the aforementioned provisions of the FIFA and CAF Statutes may give rise to grounds for the suspension of FAZ irrespective of whether the infringement was attributed to FAZ or not,” Jean-Marie said.
“Finally, we would like to remind you that a suspended member association may not exercise any of its membership rights. Other member associations may not entertain sporting contact with a suspended member association. The Disciplinary Committee may impose further sanctions (cf. art. 16 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes and art.8 par.3 of the CAF Statutes),” Jean-Marie said.
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In addition to being disqualified from participating in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Morocco and other international events, Zambia will also not be permitted to field the Copper Queens in Olympic games.
