The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) will have to pay former men’s national team coach Aljosa Asanovic in excess of US$1.1 million after their appeal against FIFA’s ruling to settle the Croat for wrongful dismissal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
FAZ had contested before CAS the decision by the FIFA Player Status Committee’s order to pay-off Asanovic whose contract was terminated unjustly by the association back in September, 2022.
However, CAS have ruled in favour of the former Croatian football great with the FAZ found wanting for terminating his contract without any just cause.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambia Digest from Croatia, Asanovic’s legal representative Davor Radic expressed delight over the final ruling delivered by CAS after a lengthy legal process.
“First of all I’d like to say we are very happy that a final decision has finally taken on this case by FIFA and now at the Court of Arbitration” Radic said.
“The Court of Arbitration have decided to rule in our favour on the appeal of the federation and now they will have to pay over US$1 million because the federation did not want to comply with FIFA.”
Radic went on to reveal that he and his client had been waiting for FAZ to avail the information about the ruling from CAS which had been delivered to both parties over a month ago and only opted to speak to the media after the association remained mute about the matter.
“I want to say it is a month ago since this decision arrived to us from the Court of Arbitration and to the federation because we thought they will announce it in the media themselves but even today there is nothing has come from them” he said.
Meanwhile, Radic revealed that Asanovic still holds a special place in his heart for Zambia and wanted to see out his contract but for challenges encountered with the association and particularly President Andrew Kamanga.
“Aljosa still loves the country and the people of Zambia and wanted to stay and work but because of the president (Kamanga) made it difficult for him to stay” he said.
“I don’t want to say much about anybody but I will just say the we are happy and just waiting for the funds to be send into the indicated account.”
Prior to reaching out to FIFA over his stipends from FAZ, Asanovic had asked for US$25,000 from the association in an amicable separation settlement.
FAZ appointed Asanovic as head coach of the Chipolopolo in January, 2022 after signing a four-year contract to be at the helm of the team until 2026.
