ZESCO United Suspended from Zambian Premier League Amidst Legal Battle
In a formal directive issued by the Zambia Premier League (ZPL), the nine-time champions Zesco United have been barred from all competitive participation in the MTN Super League following a breach of established football governance protocols.
This measure stems from the club’s decision to pursue litigation in ordinary courts rather than utilizing the internal dispute resolution mechanisms mandated by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
The friction between the club and the league governing body intensified following a decision regarding ZESCO United’s eligibility for the ABSA Cup.
After the club was disqualified from the tournament—with their slot subsequently awarded to Maestro United Zambia (MUZA) FC—ZESCO United sought legal redress through the judicial system. This move directly contravenes FAZ statutes, which explicitly prohibit member clubs from taking football-related grievances to civil courts, requiring instead that all appeals be handled through the association’s own judicial bodies.
In a letter addressed to the club’s leadership, ZPL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe emphasized that the league had previously cautioned the Ndola-based side against this course of action.
Chimpampwe noted that the receipt of a court summons concerning the club’s appeal left the league with no choice but to enforce a total suspension in accordance with the FAZ Constitution and league governance principles. The league maintains that the integrity of the sport relies on adhering to the football family rules of arbitration to avoid protracted external legal interference.
All upcoming fixtures involving ZESCO United have been postponed indefinitely, casting a shadow over the remainder of the season and leaving the league table in a state of flux. The suspension is set to remain in force until the court matter is fully resolved.
As one of the country’s most successful and supported clubs, ZESCO United’s absence from the pitch represents a major turning point in the current campaign, leaving fans and stakeholders waiting to see if a reconciliation can be reached or if the legal standoff will result in even more severe sanctions for the “Zega Mambo.”
