FAZ Warns Fans It Will Act Against Political Chants At Stadiums
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) warned supporters that it will take action against anyone who brings political slogans into football stadiums. The Association cited continental and international rules that ban political messages at matches.
In a statement issued in Lusaka, FAZ said it was concerned about a growing tendency among some fans to introduce political slogans into stadiums. It warned that the practice risks undermining the unifying role football plays in the country.
The warning came on the same day the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts condemned political chanting at Saturday’s league match between Nkana FC and Makeni All Stars at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe. In that statement, the Ministry called on FAZ, the Zambia Premier League and the clubs to act.
Football House reminded supporters that the game is a shared national passion that brings together people from different political, social and cultural backgrounds. It urged fans to keep political messaging out of football so that stadiums remain places where supporters unite behind their teams in an atmosphere of mutual respect and fair play.
The Association said it recognised the right to freedom of expression, but stressed that the right must be exercised within the applicable football regulations.
FAZ General Secretary Mr Charles Chakatazya said the Association’s position was grounded in established continental and international rules. He cited Article 40(1) of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Safety and Security Regulations, which prohibits the promotion or announcement of political or religious messages inside or in the immediate vicinity of a stadium before, during and after a match. Article 40(2) of the same regulations, he added, bans the display of political or religious banners, symbols, pictures and items in those areas.
The General Secretary also pointed to Article 2(1)(l) of the CAF Statutes, which emphasises the independence of African football management and the need to avoid political interference. Article 4(2) of the FIFA Statutes, he said, establishes FIFA’s neutrality in matters of politics and religion.
With the rules set out, Mr Chakatazya appealed to supporters across party lines to respect them.
“Football belongs to all Zambians, regardless of their political affiliation. Our stadia must remain places where people come together to support their teams, not platforms for advancing political interests. We urge all supporters to respect the regulations and preserve the unifying spirit of the game,” he said.
He warned that FAZ would work with the relevant authorities and stadium managers to enforce the regulations and pursue appropriate action against individuals who breach stadium rules and disciplinary requirements. The Association’s priority, he said, was to protect the integrity of football while making sure fans could enjoy the game in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.
That balance between welcome and responsibility ran through his closing remarks.
“We want every supporter to feel welcome at our stadia, but that comes with a responsibility to respect football’s rules. We will take appropriate action against violations in accordance with the applicable regulations because protecting football’s integrity must remain our collective responsibility,” Mr Chakatazya said.
The FAZ statement did not name the Nkana match, the song or any individual. Supporters at the Wusakile venue were reported to have sung “Pe Lampi”, the campaign song of detained opposition figures Mr Brian Mundubile and Mr Makebi Zulu.
The chants drew sharp responses from both sides of the political divide. Ministry Permanent Secretary Mr Kangwa Chileshe said sport must not be used to advance political agendas and that clubs must take responsibility for their supporters. United Party for National Development (UPND) Copperbelt Provincial Chairperson Mr Elisha Matambo described the scenes as “hooliganism dressed in political colours” and urged the police to identify those responsible.
Socialist Party President Dr Fred M’membe accused the ruling party of double standards. He said UPND supporters freely chanted “Salt Sana” and “Bally” at matches before the elections, and that today’s opposition chants were equally legitimate.
FAZ did not say what sanctions offending supporters would face or when enforcement would begin. Nkana FC and the Zambia Premier League have yet to comment publicly.
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