The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has issued a detailed clarification on the ongoing dispute involving ZESCO United and their exclusion from the 2026 ABSA Cup, insisting that all decisions were made in strict adherence to established regulations.
The statement comes barely two days after the Zambian Premier League suspended ZESCO United from the MTN Super League following the club’s decision to seek legal redress over their removal from the cup competition.
FAZ has dismissed claims made by ZESCO United as “inaccurate and misleading,” emphasizing that ABSA Cup qualification is determined strictly by standings after 17 first-round matches.
“Qualification for the ABSA Cup is strictly determined by league standings after the first 17 matches of the first round,” FAZ stated.
The association stressed that only fixtures classified within the first round are considered, and any matches played outside that scope are automatically excluded.
“For the avoidance of doubt, this criterion applies exclusively to matches constituting the first round only… any game not belonging to the first round is discounted,” the statement read.
At the centre of the controversy is ZESCO’s delayed Week 2 fixture against Mutondo Stars. FAZ clarified that the match, which was later played as a Week 19 fixture under arrangements handled by ZESCO, could not be counted among first-round games for ABSA Cup qualification.
“The delay of this fixture was solely attributable to Zesco United and had a direct impact on the integrity of the standings,” FAZ added.
According to FAZ, the postponement distorted the standings at the qualification cut-off point. The association further revealed that although the Ndola-based side was initially informed that they had qualified after facing Zanaco, this communication was issued in error and promptly corrected once the discrepancy was identified.
“It is important to note that correcting such administrative errors is not new or unprecedented,” FAZ said, citing a previous case involving Lusaka Dynamos and Green Eagles.
Following the eventual fulfillment of the outstanding fixture, ZESCO suffered defeat to Mutondo Stars, a result that confirmed FC MUZA as the rightful occupant of the seventh qualification slot.
“Qualification was purely determined strictly on sporting merit based on completed and properly classified fixtures,” FAZ emphasised.
FAZ also took issue with ZESCO’s handling of the dispute, stating that the club ignored guidance to channel their grievance through internal judicial bodies before escalating the matter.
“It is imperative to commence and exhaust internal judicial mechanisms and processes provided for under football rules and regulations,” FAZ noted.
Instead, ZESCO proceeded to court action, a move FAZ says contravenes football statutes.
“Taking disputes to ordinary courts… may attract sanctions, including suspension or expulsion. FIFA has been very consistent on this point,” the association warned.
The association revealed that it only received court documents late on April 1, giving limited time to prepare, and has since been advised that due legal procedures may not have been fully observed.
FAZ has since called for calm among stakeholders, urging the public to rely on verified information while reaffirming its commitment to fairness and integrity.
“We urge all stakeholders and the general public to rely on verified information… and avoid being misled by inaccurate statements,” FAZ concluded.
The governing body also expressed appreciation to ABSA Bank for its continued sponsorship of the competition, pledging to safeguard the integrity of the tournament.
Keith Mweemba……..