Zambia women’s national football team could miss out on playing at this summer’s Olympics after FIFA threatened the country’s football association with suspension amid accusations of money-laundering offences against its president and “undue influence by third parties.”
Andrew Kamanga, the FAZ president since 2016, was last week charged by Zambia’s drug enforcement commission with obtaining government funds under false pretences and being part of a conspiracy to defraud.
It was alleged that he used the money to fund trips for two associates to the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.
The general secretary, Reuben Kamanga, was also charged, along with Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame, who travelled to the tournament as part of Football Association of Zambia’s support staff. All have denied the charges.
Zambia women’s team qualified for the Olympics after defeating Morocco 3-2 on aggregate.
The team is still coached by Bruce Mwape, who is believed to remain under investigation by Fifa after allegations of misconduct before and during the Women’s World Cup last year.
