The Zambian government has suspended government financial support to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) due to the senior men’s national team’s persistent poor performance, following their recent 1-0 home defeat to Niger in a World Cup Qualifier son Sunday, October 12. It has also warned other federations to rectify their internal issues. Following the suspension of government funding, the Ministry of Youth Sports and Arts demanded the FAZ to provide a detailed justification for why the government should continue funding the association. In a letter written to FAZ, Ministry of Youth Sports and Arts permanent secretary Kangwa Chileshe said that, despite the country’s financial constraints, the government continued to provide financial resources to the senior men’s football team, Chipolopolo, yet it continued to perform poorly. Zambia finished Group E World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign in fourth place, behind leaders Morocco who qualified for the World Cup, Niger and Tanzania. Avram Grant to stay on as head coach Despite government's decision to suspend the national team funding, FAZ President Keith Mweemba has dismissed circulating rumors regarding the status of Avram Grant, confirming that the Israeli tactician remains the head coach of the Chipolopolo. “Grant is our coach, and he has a running contract. As a lawyer, I must respect that. We found him, he’s here, and contracts must be respected.” “He is a good man, open-minded and easy to work with.” “A coach’s contract is private. It’s not something for public debate. It would be unprofessional and disrespectful to discuss it in the media.” Grant was appointed Zambia head coach in December 2022.
