The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has strongly opposed a K15 million compensation claim by Fredrobie Concept Zambia Limited, contending that any losses incurred were due to the agency’s own failure to enforce its contractual rights.
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga denied allegations of negligence, insisting that FAZ had fulfilled all obligations under the contract.
“FAZ will aver at trial that the plaintiff did not cause any serious loss to the defendant in the estimated K15,000,000, as any loss incurred by the defendant was self-inflicted as a result of not pursuing its rights under the contract,” he submitted.
This is in a matter where FAZ sued Fredrobie for K1 million, accusing the agency of failing to sponsor and organize the play-offs as required.
Fredrobie, a marketing agency, had launched a counterclaim, demanding K15 million in compensation for lost income from sponsorship and ticket sales for the Division One play-offs.
The agency is also seeking a court order to prevent FAZ from using its business model with any other partner for the next 25 years.
Fredrobie argued that FAZ’s failure to meet contractual obligations, such as delayed play-off approvals and withholding crucial information, hindered its ability to fulfill its own commitments.
The agency also accused FAZ of being unresponsive to communication, making coordination difficult.
Fredrobie claimed that FAZ initially agreed to cover all costs for the play-offs with an understanding that repayment terms would be discussed later.
But FAZ has categorically dismissed claims that it failed to ensure the full realization of Fredrobie’s economic rights, stating that its duty was limited to assigning those rights, not enforcing them.
Kamanga also refuted allegations that they caused delays in approving play-off dates or blocked the use of the National Heroes Stadium, emphasizing that the stadium is not under its management.
He stated that the association had been fully responsive to Fredrobie’s inquiries and provided all necessary contractual information.
He accused Fredrobie of breaching its own contractual obligations, which, FAZ claimed, forced it to step in and handle aspects of the agreement that the agency failed to execute.
Kamanga maintained that any financial loss suffered by Fredrobie was self-inflicted and resulted from its own negligence.
He added that FAZ had made several attempts to resolve the matter outside of court, but these efforts proved unsuccessful
