The Football Association of Zambia says a request by Copper Queens head coach Nora Elizabeth Häuptle to significantly alter her contract lies at the centre of the current dispute between the two parties.
In a statement issued by FAZ head of media and communications Nkweto Tembwe, the association revealed that Häuptle has formally proposed reducing her salary by up to 50% in order to take up additional employment elsewhere — while still remaining in charge of the national team on a full-time basis.
FAZ has raised concerns about the implications of such an arrangement, questioning whether it aligns with the demands of the role.
“Among her requests is a proposal to reduce her salary by up to 50 percent to enable her to take up additional employment elsewhere, while remaining head coach of the Copper Queens on a full-time contract.”
The association made clear that this proposal has prompted deeper concerns about professional focus and commitment to the Zambia women’s national football team.
“The position of national team coach demands full dedication, and any arrangement that potentially compromises this expectation must be carefully considered in the best interest of the team and the nation.”
Broader contract demands
FAZ further disclosed that Häuptle has also requested to be relieved of her responsibilities as technical advisor to junior national teams — a role the association considers critical to long-term player development.
“Additionally, the coach has requested to be relieved of her responsibilities as Technical Advisor to junior national teams, an important component of her contractual obligations aimed at strengthening the broader football development structure.”
According to FAZ, these requests go beyond financial matters and form the core of the ongoing discussions that have been handled discreetly in an effort to maintain professionalism.
Salary issues “resolved”
While the dispute has drawn public attention in recent days, FAZ insists that outstanding salary concerns have already been addressed.
The association acknowledged that Häuptle inherited a backlog of five months’ unpaid wages before the current administration took office — a matter that was escalated to FIFA.
FAZ says it worked with FIFA-appointed mediation to settle the arrears in full, restoring relations between the two parties.
It added that a more recent complaint involving two months’ unpaid salary has also been cleared.
“All verified dues relating to that period have since been fully settled.”
FIFA claims rejected
Despite this, FAZ confirmed that Häuptle has since taken the matter back to FIFA, submitting claims that include compensation tied to future achievements such as qualification and success at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The association has strongly pushed back against those demands.
“These claims are, in our considered view, unreasonable and premature.”
FAZ argued that while there had been “minor delays” in salary payments, these never exceeded two months and did not constitute a breach significant enough to justify forward-looking financial compensation.
FAZ defends its position
The association also used the statement to defend its broader handling of the situation, stressing that it has acted in good faith throughout.
“FAZ has deliberately handled these discussions discreetly and in good faith, in order to avoid unnecessary public alarm and to preserve a professional working environment.”
It further noted concerns about Häuptle’s absence from domestic league matches in Zambia, despite recommendations from the technical committee.
Legal route ahead
With positions hardening, FAZ confirmed it has initiated a formal legal response to be submitted to FIFA.
“FAZ has since initiated a robust legal response, which will be submitted to FIFA through the appropriate channels.”
The association reiterated that the Copper Queens remain “a national asset of immense importance” and pledged to keep the public informed as the matter progresses.
