Following the Zambian Premier League (ZPL)’s decision to change the qualification criteria for the CAF Confederation Cup, several clubs have expressed concern over the timing, with Power Dynamos FC chief executive officer Gibson Chaloba saying the move has come as a shock.

On Monday, ZPL informed clubs that the winner of the 2026 ABSA Cup will qualify for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup, while the league champions will take the CAF Champions League slot.

ZPL further clarified that if one team wins both competitions, then the runners-up in the ABSA Cup will qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.

“It has come as a shock,” Chaloba told the Zambia Daily Newspaper. “If it is something that CAF has directed, we have no way but to abide by it.”

He continued, “What would have been more interesting is that such information must be provided to teams before the league starts so that teams can prepare well.”

He argued that changing the qualification criteria after more than 20 games distorts the competition, especially for teams outside the top seven who had realistic hopes of pushing for a second-place finish.

“There are certain times when teams lift their momentum in the second round and end up finishing second. Now their hope of playing continental football has been taken away. Those below seventh position now have to fight for the league title itself to play continental. It becomes a very tough undertaking,” Chaloba said.

Chaloba also raised concerns about the possibility of a lower-division side winning the Absa Cup but failing to meet club licensing requirements for continental competition.

Mufulira and Zesco express concern

Mufulira Wanderers chief executive officer Mumba Mwila told the Daily Mail: “As a club we were targeting the top two to play in CAF but now they have brought it closer to home because we are playing in the Absa Cup. It will be difficult because teams will put more effort into winning it knowing it is a gateway to CAF.”

Mwila questioned why the decision has been implemented at this stage.

“We wish this was communicated at the start of the season because it changes the complexion of the competition. Teams outside the top seven can cry foul because they can argue that they could win their remaining games and finish second but now only seven are fighting for CAF,” he said.

Zesco United chief executive officer Kelvin Mutafu also said ZPL should have announced the qualification criteria before the start of the season.

“On our part we feel it was supposed to be done right at the beginning of the season. Announcing it now doesn’t augur well. Planning gets distorted; clubs need to know where to put their resources, whether in the league or the Absa Cup,” Mutafu said.

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