Mweemba is tough after a Zambian player boycots a friendlies

The Chipolopolo’s planned international friendlies against Sudan and Tunisia, which were originally slated for June 6 and 10, in Morocco, have been canceled by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

At a news conference at Football House, FAZ President Keith Mweemba announced the postponement, calling it “deeply regrettable but unavoidable due to a combination of logistical setbacks, unresolved player grievances, and inherited financial obligations.”

Speaking at a news conference at Football House, Mweemba stated that the team’s ability to travel and represent the country in a united and disciplined manner was jeopardized by “serious and unfortunate occurrences,” which made the decision to cancel the matches inevitable.

In order to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Zambia was set to play Sudan on June 6 and Tunisia on June 10, 2025. Some players, however, refused to go, citing unpaid allowances from their last trip to Russia as well as other financial obligations.

Some others, including some athletes, declined to go, citing concerns about unpaid allowances. We have a responsibility to handle these difficulties, which we inherited. Nevertheless, the national jersey has never been made mandatory. You have to know what it means to represent the flag and the eagle, if you decide to do so,” Mweemba stated.

Twenty million people are represented by this shirt. It cannot be taken prisoner and is not for sale. Power struggles and boycotts have no place on the national team. Patriotism must never wait for compensation, even when athletes have a right to equitable treatment.

Mweemba also issued a strong warning to individuals who are reportedly working behind the scenes to undermine the national squad. “We have reliable information regarding intentional meddling by those with a stake in the outcome. This is the last warning you will ever receive. You will be subject to disciplinary action and, if required, legal prosecution if you are proven to be at fault,” Mweemba stated.

According to the head of FAZ, the association is in serious financial trouble, with debts totaling more than K100 million, including unpaid hotel bills from South Africa, Namibia, Egypt, and Mozambique.

It’s a fact that the coffers are empty, but we won’t blame anyone. FAZ is a permanent succession institution. Fixing what we have inherited is our duty,” Mweemba stated.

Mweemba demanded accountability and discipline at all levels of the game, stressing that representing Zambia is a privilege rather than a right. “You might not be able to enter this door again if your allegiance to Zambia is conditional. “With or without those who think the national team is a negotiating chip, we will proceed,” Mweemba stated.

He cited Zambia’s recuperation from the 1993 Gabon flight catastrophe as evidence of the country’s tenacity and footballing passion. Despite the recent setbacks, Mweemba reassured the media that the association is still in communication with Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant and completely supports his technical program.

“We are dedicated to helping the coach with all of his CHAN, AFCON, and World Cup qualifying programs. “This administration will fully support him,” Mweemba stated. “Zambia is greater than ourselves. We understand what it takes to manage football since we are a football-loving nation. We shall return to our heyday, whether anyone likes it or not. This team is not for those who prioritize money over patriotism.