Lumwana Radiants have launched a scathing attack on the governance and disciplinary structures of the Football Association of Zambia and the Zambian Premier League, insisting they were “denied” promotion to the Super League rather than failing to qualify on sporting merit.
In a strongly-worded statement released on Friday, the National League side claimed their promotion hopes were destroyed by what they described as an “unfair, inconsistent and selective” disciplinary process.
The club argued that results achieved on the pitch should have secured promotion, but alleged that points deductions imposed during the season ultimately altered their fate.
“Lumwana Radiants did not fail to qualify — we were failed by the system,” the statement read.
The club accused football authorities of lacking transparency and procedural fairness, alleging that they were never given an adequate opportunity to defend themselves before sanctions were imposed in relation to Week 9 and Week 11 fixtures.
According to the statement, one ruling was made on 5 November 2025 but only communicated to the club on 8 December, while another decision reached on 16 November was reportedly communicated nearly a month later on 15 December.
Lumwana further claimed that one of their appeals was later referred back due to procedural irregularities in the handling of the points deduction process.
The club suggested the delays and lack of clarity surrounding the disciplinary proceedings had raised wider concerns among football followers over the integrity of decision-making within the domestic game.
“Football matches must be won on the field — through talent, preparation, hard work and determination — not through delayed judgments, procedural irregularities and boardroom decisions,” the statement added.
Despite their frustrations, Lumwana praised their players, technical bench, supporters and sponsors for standing by the club during what they described as one of the most difficult campaigns in their history.
The statement was signed by the club’s General Secretary and dated 16 May 2026.
