FIFA still recognises Kalusha's leadership

The World governing soccer body FIFA has backed embattled Zambian Football leader Kalusha Bwalya, and recognises him as the 'legitimate President' of the Football Association of Zambia.

Fifa issued a statement on its website following  a meeting with Zambian football stakeholders, who included a leader of a faction that is opposed to Bwalya's co-opting of new members to replace several FAZ board members who resigned.

Zambian football has been thrown into turmoil following problems which have emerged within the FAZ leadership. About four disgruntled Faz executives resigned enmasse in the last two months, citing unhappiness with Bwalya's leadership style.

A Zambian delegation, went to meet Fifa about the challenges bedevilling the Southern African country's football.

Bwalya, the 1988 African Footballer of the year, has ignored calls from some quarters in his country to step down as President and allow for fresh elections. It is not clear why the assembly of Zambian clubs has failed to take action to resolve the FAZ problems.

Though the sports ministry in Zambia has been eager to help resolve the impasse in Zambian football, government is precluded from interfering because Fifa rules do not permit government interference. A country will face suspension from Fifa if that were to happen.

Following a meeting in Zurich, Swizterland yesterday, Fifa resolved to recognise Bwalya as the legitimate president of Zambia.

Part of the delegation from Zambia, led by business tycoon Andrew Kamanga argued that Bwalya's decision to coopt new members onto the FAZ was illegal, without citing a clear basis for his argument.

Those opposed to Kalusha's leadership and decisions to coopt new members were advised by Fifa that they have an option to pass a vote of no confidence in him as is legally permitted by the FAZ constitution.

Kamanga was pleased with the advise from Fifa, and he accepted the outcome of the Fifa meeting.

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