In early November 2023, Zambia saw a shocking turn of events when the president of the country’s Football Association, Andrew Kamanga, was arrested. He is accused of corruption and abuse of power, which has caused a wave of discontent among the soccer community and residents of the country.
What prompted the arrest
A new scandal has erupted in soccer as Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has been arrested by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) on charges of misappropriation of public funds and money laundering. The federation’s secretary general, Reuben Kamanga, was also arrested as part of the same investigation.
The arrest was another blow to the reputation of Africa’s soccer governing body, after the presidents of the Mali and Tunisia soccer associations were arrested on similar charges in recent months.
According to the allegations, FAZ requested funds from the Zambian government to cover the expenses (particularly accommodation) of two individuals traveling to the Africa Cup of Nations in January: Madalitso Kamanga and Jairrus Siame. The government allocated about 12,400 euros, not counting return airfare. There are rumours behind the scenes that some of the government money was spent on betting and gambling, but this information has not been officially confirmed. Many Zambians cannot resist the temptation to gamble because of twinspinCA and similar sites that advertise no deposit free spins. There are rumours that Kamanga himself has also fallen victim to such addiction.
The DEC alleges that Kamanga used the funds for personal enrichment and laundered the money through various channels. DEC has interrogated them, and they are currently in custody awaiting arraignment.
Kamanga’s arrest has sparked outrage in Zambia as he is considered a leading figure in African soccer. He has been FAZ president since 2016 and has spearheaded a number of important initiatives to develop soccer in the country.
However, the arrest raises questions about integrity and ethics and casts a shadow over FAZ’s leadership. Fans and authorities are demanding transparency and accountability and the DEC investigation should shed light on the extent of corruption and mismanagement in Zambian soccer.
It remains unknown whether Kamanga will join Bavier Toure and Wadi Yari as another arrested FAZ president, but his arrest is a serious blow to the reputation of African soccer and highlights the need for stricter accountability and transparency measures in soccer governance.
Kamanga has appealed to FIFA for help
In light of his arrest and allegations of misappropriation of public funds and money laundering, Zambia Football Association president Andrew Kamanga has appealed to FIFA for help.
Kamanga claims his arrest is the result of “third party interference” and has contacted FIFA to express his concerns and request support. He has also stated that he is confident of his innocence and will cooperate with the investigation.
Law enforcement authorities discovered that funds allocated by the Zambian government to cover the expenses of two individuals traveling to the Africa Cup of Nations in January were paid equally into each man’s bank accounts. However, the two individuals are not members of FAZ as claimed, but they are brothers and friends of the president.
Kamanga and FAZ Secretary General Reuben Kamanga have been released on bail and are currently awaiting trial. “FAZ has already been under scrutiny due to the sexual abuse of minors scandal previously reported by Sports News Africa. No decisions have been made by FAZ management on the case.
Kamanga’s appeal to FIFA highlights the difficult situation he finds himself in. FIFA has the power to intervene in member associations if it believes their governance or reputation is compromised.
FIFA has suspended member associations and individuals in the past for corruption and other forms of misconduct. However, it remains to be seen how FIFA will respond to Kamanga’s request for assistance in this case.
