LUSAKA, 7 June 2025 — The Zambia Senior Men’s National Football Team has issued an official statement expressing disappointment over the sudden cancellation of a scheduled international engagement by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), despite the players’ full compliance with the national call-up.
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, the team reaffirmed its commitment to representing the country with “integrity, purpose, and patriotism,” but raised concerns over the handling of team affairs, financial delays, and a lack of clear communication from the football authority.
According to the statement, locally-based players had already assembled in Lusaka, while foreign-based teammates had made travel arrangements to be present for the team’s scheduled departure on Monday. However, they were informed through the team manager that the trip had been cancelled by the FAZ Executive without prior notice or explanation.
“Despite being owed substantial unpaid dues, we have never allowed financial issues to affect our willingness to represent Zambia,” the statement read. “We have consistently shown up for the badge, for the fans, and for our country. In turn, we expect mutual respect for our time, our efforts, and our professionalism.”
Following the cancellation, and in the absence of further direction from the Federation, players returned to their respective homes to rest and spend time with their families.
The team stressed that it remains ready to serve the nation, but called for future engagements to be handled with “respect, transparency, and adequate preparation.”
As of press time, FAZ had not issued any official response to the team’s claims.
The development has stirred conversation among fans and stakeholders, many of whom have taken to public platforms to express support for the players and to call on FAZ for accountability.
