The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Council has overwhelmingly voted in favour of changing the domestic football calendar from the current August–May cycle to a March–November schedule.
The landmark decision was reached during the FAZ Annual General Meeting after extensive deliberations on a proposal submitted by the FAZ Executive Committee.
The proposed reform, described as a “necessary structural correction,” is aimed primarily at aligning the Zambian football season with the country’s climatic conditions. Under the current system, a significant number of fixtures are played during the rainy season, often leading to poor pitch conditions, postponements and a decline in the quality of play.
“The principal driver of this reform is climatic alignment,” part of the proposal read. “A March–November schedule aligns the competition with more favourable weather, improving consistency and playing standards.”
The latest move marks another major shift in the evolution of Zambia’s football calendar.
In 2019, FAZ adopted the CAF and FIFA directive to align domestic leagues with the European football calendar standard. Part of the reasoning behind that alignment stemmed from recurring conflicts between African national teams and European clubs over the release of players for the Africa Cup of Nations, which was traditionally staged in January during the middle of the European season.
CAF subsequently moved the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations to the June/July window, coinciding with the European off-season, while also ratifying significant reforms to continental club competitions.
The reforms followed resolutions passed during a football symposium held in Morocco, where member associations proposed that African leagues operate on a September-to-May cycle similar to the European format.
Several delegates spoke in support of the latest motion during the debate.
Kansanshi Dynamos representative Mweshi Mupeta cited his club’s experience in a league fixture against Green Eagles that had to be completed over two days following a heavy downpour.
Lumwana Radiants, through Jonathan Mapipo, also backed the proposal, alongside MUZA FC’s Joel Kabika, Mufulira Wanderers representative Mwila Mumba and Nchanga Rangers official Emmanuel Simbeye.
Jumulo representative Mwiza Maseko supported the proposal but urged clubs not to neglect infrastructure development despite the calendar adjustment.
However, the motion was not without opposition.
Power Dynamos representative James Sakala argued that the revised calendar could disadvantage Zambian clubs competing in CAF inter-club competitions. Red Arrows representative Colonel Kambani Lungu echoed similar concerns, warning that the new schedule could complicate preparations for continental engagements and international club friendlies.
Sakala further argued that any calendar reform should be aligned with international transfer windows to avoid administrative complications.
Despite the concerns raised, council members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the reform.
As part of the transition, FAZ is expected to introduce a special four-month transitional season running from September to December 2026 before the full March–November calendar begins in 2027.
Under the proposed transitional structure, the 20 teams in each division will be split into two groups of 10 based on final league standings. Teams finishing in odd-numbered positions will form one group, while even-numbered teams will make up the other.
Each club will play 18 matches on a home-and-away basis during the condensed season, with the possibility of playoffs or a final between group winners. Promotion and relegation could also be limited or suspended during the transition period to preserve structural stability.
FAZ says the new calendar will improve scheduling consistency, reduce fixture congestion and enhance operational efficiency while creating a more stable platform for broadcasters, sponsors and supporters.
The proposal also calls for adjustments to competition regulations, player contract cycles, transfer windows and club licensing timelines to ensure a smooth transition to the new football calendar.
