- Unpaid Zambia Squad Prepares for Women’s World Cup Debut
- Players Protest Non-Payment of Salaries and Training Compensation
- President Promises to Resolve Payment Issues as Fifa Commits to Minimum Payments for World Cup Players
The majority of the Zambia squad that will compete in the country’s first Women’s World Cup has not been paid by their football federation since they participated in the Tokyo Olympics nearly two years ago.
Saturday is the opening encounter for Zambia, who qualified for the tournament by reaching the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations last year. Since returning from the Olympics in August 2021, most of the players have not been compensated for matches and up to 100 days of training, according to several sources close to the team. This includes up to forty days in Morocco for the Afcon.
It is believed that Zambian players refused to train for two days before this month’s friendly in Germany in protest of not being paid. Barbra Banda scored in the 12th minute of stoppage time to win the game in Fürth.
Since arriving at their World Cup base camp in New Zealand a week ago, players are believed to have participated in silent protests, including traveling to training and games without singing as is customary. The squad also had to sign a controversial code of conduct with “ridiculous restrictions” while in camp, according to insiders.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) did not respond to a request for comment from the Guardian.
On Monday, the president of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, promised that any payment issues would be resolved. “Do your part, and your government will do its part,” he told the unit in a video meeting. “Yes, I understand there are one or two things that have not yet been completed. But they will be completed, take my word for it.” Let’s have faith in the team!”
Fifa announced last month that it would pay every player at the Women’s World Cup at least $30,000 (£23,200) – via the federations – after months of “constructive negotiation with Fifa,” as described by the players’ union Fifpro.
In the lead-up to Zambia’s first game, their head coach, Bruce Mwape, has denied sexual misconduct allegations. Mwape was investigated following allegations of sexual abuse within the team late last year. “About a year has passed,” he said in New Zealand. “You continue to make the same allegations. In my opinion, these are false allegations.”
According to reports, Fifa is aware of the allegations against Mwape and has contacted the FAZ to investigate. A FIFA spokesperson stated that the organization could not comment on investigations.
Despite the FAZ’s silence, Zambia’s Under-17 coach Kaluba Kangwa quit. It did not respond to Ta’s clarification request.
