Football administrators Blackwell Siwale and Elijah ‘Shenko’ Chileshe have filed a lawsuit against Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga, challenging the legitimacy of the FAZ electoral process and the continuation of the executive committee’s tenure beyond its constitutional mandate.
The lawsuit, filed in the Lusaka High Court, names Kamanga as the first respondent, FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga as the second respondent, and the Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ) as the third respondent.
Siwale and Chileshe, both Zambian citizens and football stakeholders, argue that the current FAZ executive committee’s tenure, which began on February 27, 2021, officially expired on February 28, 2025, in accordance with Article 33 of the FAZ Constitution.
They claim that despite this, Kamanga and other FAZ officials continue to hold office and interfere with the ongoing electoral process.
The plaintiffs allege that the Attorney General advised the Sports Council of Zambia that Kamanga’s tenure had ended and that he could not legally continue in office.
However, they claim FAZ officials have disregarded this directive and proceeded with the elections, with Kamanga allegedly addressing provincial election meetings in his capacity as FAZ president, rather than as a candidate.
They argue that the SCZ failed to enforce its directive, which required the formation of a transitional committee to oversee FAZ operations and the electoral process.
The plaintiffs raise several concerns regarding the FAZ 2025 electoral process, alleging violations of the FAZ Constitution and Electoral Code.
They allege that some candidates were disqualified without being given the opportunity to rectify nomination issues, in violation of Article 8(3) of the FAZ Electoral Code, 2020.
They also claim that FAZ officials imposed additional requirements, such as mandatory registration in the FAZ Connect System and postponing certain elections, including that of the Northern Province vice chairperson.
As part of their legal demands, the plaintiffs are asking the court to declare that the FAZ executive committee’s term ended on February 28, 2025, and that they cannot legally remain in office.
They are also demanding a refund of all allowances or emoluments paid to FAZ officials beyond their tenure and an injunction preventing the outgoing FAZ executive from continuing in office.
They are requesting the court to direct the SCZ to establish a transitional committee to oversee FAZ affairs and elections.
They are also seeking a declaration that the FAZ 2025 electoral process is null and void due to constitutional violations and that Kamanga is ineligible to contest based on integrity requirements.
The plaintiffs further seek the reinstatement of all candidates who were disqualified unfairly and an order suspending the FAZ elective AGM scheduled for March 29, 2025, until the matter is resolved.
