Zesco United respond to ZPL suspension, seek due process
By Mast Reporter
ZESCO United have contested their suspension from league activities by the Zambian Premier League (ZPL), describing the move as irregular and contrary to established football procedures.
In a statement issued yesterday, Zesco United acting chief executive officer James Ngoma confirmed that the Ndola-based outfit had only received correspondence dated February 12, 2025, on April 2, 2026, informing them of the decision to suspend the club following its appeal over exclusion from the ABSA Cup.
Ngoma said the club’s position remained anchored on fairness and proper governance.
“The club is guided by principles of fairness, integrity, and respect for due process, and it is our considered position that the purported suspension is irregular and contrary to established disciplinary procedures,” he said.
Ngoma said Zesco United duly qualified for the ABSA Cup after defeating Zanaco in a qualifying fixture, only for the competition rules to be altered retrospectively, leading to their removal from the tournament.
He explained that following their exclusion, the seven-time league champions engaged the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), requesting the convening of an Arbitration Tribunal in line with the FAZ Constitution.
Ngoma, however, said both FAZ and the ZP dismissed the request, describing the matter as administrative.
He said the club subsequently sought intervention from the High Court, not to determine the dispute, but to compel FAZ to facilitate the constitutionally mandated arbitration process.
Ngoma said on April 2, 2026, the court directed FAZ to convene the Arbitration Tribunal to hear the matter involving the club, FAZ and the ZPL.
He maintained that the decision to suspend Zesco United fell outside proper disciplinary frameworks and undermined football governance structures.
Ngoma reaffirmed the club’s commitment to resolving the dispute through lawful and recognized football channels while engaging relevant stakeholders for a swift resolution.
He urged supporters, partners and stakeholders to remain calm, patient and united as the matter unfolded, pledging continued transparency through regular updates.
