The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Council has approved the expansion of the MTN Super League and National Division One from 18 to 20 teams starting next season.
The proposal, submitted by the FAZ Executive Committee, was overwhelmingly endorsed by council delegates following extensive debate during the meeting.
Under the approved transitional arrangement, only two teams will be relegated at the end of the current season while four clubs will be promoted from the lower division to facilitate the immediate expansion.
FAZ said the move is aimed at strengthening competition, broadening national representation and improving the long-term commercial viability of domestic football.
Speaking in support of the motion, Northern Province Committee member David Mbulo said provincial teams backed the proposal because it offered greater hope of representation at the highest level of Zambian football.
Mutondo Stars representative Stanley Kaseko argued that an expanded league would benefit clubs by increasing the number of competitive matches played during the season.
Prison Leopards representative Mr Nsondo added that more fixtures would also translate into improved gate revenue for clubs.
However, the proposal was not without opposition.
Jumulo’s Mwiza Maseko warned that increasing the number of teams could reduce the competitiveness of the league while placing a heavier financial burden on self-sponsored clubs due to additional travel and operational costs.
In response, Zanaco Chief Executive Officer Owen Chimpinde maintained that fears over reduced competitiveness should not outweigh the broader developmental gains of expansion.
Kafue Celtic’s Eric Mwanampwaya also urged FAZ to ensure fair officiating standards, noting that clubs would be investing more resources into an expanded fixture schedule.
According to the proposal presented to Council, the post-expansion structure will see both leagues operate on a full home-and-away format, with each club playing 38 matches per season.
The proposal further recommended that promotion and relegation be standardised at three teams moving between divisions in subsequent seasons to maintain competitive balance and league stability.
FAZ noted that while the expansion would increase operational demands in areas such as scheduling, officiating, logistics and security, the March-to-November calendar provided sufficient room to accommodate the enlarged fixture programme.
The Council also backed recommendations for stricter enforcement of club licensing regulations to ensure only compliant and financially capable clubs participate in the expanded leagues.
FAZ believes the reform will deepen competition, create more opportunities for player development and increase the commercial value of the domestic game through additional fixtures and broadcast inventory.
