ZESCO United Football Club has issued an official statement addressing its suspension by the Zambian Premier League (ZPL), describing the decision as “irregular” and defending its move to seek legal intervention.
Earlier on Friday, the ZPL announced the immediate suspension of ZESCO United from the MTN Super League following the club’s decision to take legal action after being removed from the 2026 ABSA Cup.
In a detailed statement released by Acting Chief Executive Officer James Ngoma, the Ndola-based outfit confirmed receipt of correspondence from the league regarding the suspension, while outlining the events that led to the current standoff.
“ZESCO United Football Club wishes to inform its supporters, partners, and stakeholders that the club is in receipt of correspondence from the Zambian Premier League dated 12th February 2025 and received on 2nd April 2026 regarding its purported suspension from league activities,” read part of the statement.
The seven-time league champions maintain that their exclusion from the ABSA Cup was unjust, insisting they had legitimately secured qualification.
“ZESCO United lawfully participated in and won its qualifying fixture against Zanaco Football Club, thereby securing its place in the ABSA Cup,” the club stated.
“However, subsequent to this result, the applicable rules governing qualification were altered and applied in a manner that went against the established rules, resulting in the club’s removal from the competition.”
The controversy stems from ZESCO’s reverse fixture against Mutondo Stars. Despite the club having already met the 17-match threshold required for ABSA Cup qualification, the ZPL later declared the fixture postponed and ordered a replay.
ZESCO went on to lose the rescheduled match, a result that saw them relinquish their ABSA Cup spot to MUZA FC—triggering the current dispute.
Following their removal, ZESCO says it sought internal resolution through the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), requesting the convening of the Arbitration Tribunal.
“Despite these efforts, FAZ and the ZPL did not oblige the club’s request and intimated that the matter was administrative,” the statement explained.
Left with limited options, the club escalated the matter to the High Court—not to determine the dispute itself, but to compel FAZ to activate the arbitration process in line with its constitution.
“It should be made very clear that the Club did not seek the High Court to determine its dispute with FAZ and the ZPL,” the statement emphasized.
“As of 2nd April 2026, the High Court directed FAZ to facilitate for the convocation of the Arbitration Tribunal so as to hear the dispute.”
ZESCO United has since questioned the legality of the league’s disciplinary action.
“The club is guided by principles of fairness, integrity, and respect for due process. It is our considered position that the purported suspension is irregular and contrary to established disciplinary procedures.”
Despite the escalating tensions, ZESCO has reiterated its commitment to resolving the matter through football governance structures.
“ZESCO United remains committed to resolving this matter through the appropriate football governance channels,” the club stated, while urging supporters to remain calm and united.
The situation now sets the stage for a potentially significant arbitration process involving FAZ, the ZPL, and ZESCO United, as one of Zambia’s most successful clubs fights to clear its name and restore its competitive standing.
