Minister of Sports Elvis Nkandu has denied reports indicating that the government has a preferred candidate to be the next FAZ president ahead of the upcoming elections set for March 29, 2025.
Reports on social media had earlier claimed that the government had been supporting FC MUZA proprietor Keith Mweemba, who is said to be eyeing the top job at Football House.
In a statement issued this morning, Nkandu refuted the reports, stating that the FAZ electoral process is autonomous from state influence; hence, the Ministry of Sports or the government cannot endorse or appoint a candidate for the FAZ presidency.
“The FAZ elections are an independent process, and the government has no role in selecting or endorsing candidates. These matters should be handled by football stakeholders in line with FAZ and FIFA regulations,” Nkandu said.
Nkandu expressed disappointment over the spread of false information, which also claimed that the government had instructed football icon and former FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya to withdraw from contesting the elections.
“It is unfortunate that some individuals are making baseless claims without facts. If anyone has questions regarding Mr. Bwalya’s withdrawal, they should engage him directly instead of spreading misinformation. The government has no hand in this matter and urges all stakeholders to remain factual and responsible in their discourse,” he said.
He further stated that the Ministry of Sports and the government will always endeavor to promote fairness and transparency in the FAZ electoral process as well as in other sporting associations.
“We remain committed to promoting transparency and fair play in all sports governance structures in Zambia,” he said.
The 2025 FAZ elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) is set to be held on March 29, 2025, at Fairmount Hotel in Livingstone.