Most members of the Zambia squad that will take part in the country’s first appearance at the Women’s World Cup have not been paid by their football federation since competing at the Tokyo Olympics nearly two years ago, the Guardian can reveal.
Zambia face Japan in their opening match on Saturday having qualified by reaching the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations last year. Several sources close to the team said most of the players have yet to receive any payment for matches and up to 100 days of training since returning from the Olympics in August 2021. That includes up to 40 days at the Afcon in Morocco.
It is understood Zambia’s players refused to train for two days before their friendly in Germany this month in protest at not being paid. They still recorded a famous late win in Fürth courtesy of Barbra Banda’s winner in the 12th minute of injury time.
Since arriving at their base camp in New Zealand for the World Cup last week, players are believed to have taken part in silent protests that have included travelling to training and games without singing in their usual tradition. They have also been forced to sign a controversial code of conduct that has been described as imposing “ridiculous restrictions” on players while in camp, according to sources close to the squad.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) did not respond to the Guardian’s request for comment.
On Monday, Zambia’s president, Hakainde Hichilema, promised that any issues over payment would be resolved. “Do your part and your government will do its part,” he told the squad during a video meeting. “Yes, I hear there are one or two things that have not been done but it will be done, just take my word. Let’s believe in the team.”
Fifa announced last month it would pay every player at the Women’s World Cup at least $30,000 (£23,200) – via the federations – after what the players’ union Fifpro described as the “outcome of tremendous global collective action by over 150 national team players” and months of “constructive negotiation with Fifa”.
In the buildup to Zambia first game, their head coach, Bruce Mwape, has denied allegations of sexual misconduct. The Guardian reported Mwape was investigated late last year after allegations of sexual abuse in the team. “It has taken about a year now,” he said in New Zealand. “You are still talking about the same allegations. As far as I’m concerned they are fake allegations.”
It is understood Fifa is aware of the accusations made against Mwape and has been in touch with the FAZ to investigate. A Fifa spokesperson said it could not comment on investigations.
Zambia’s Under-17 coach, Kaluba Kangwa, was among the FAZ employees investigated and he has left his post despite no official announcement from the FAZ. It did not respond to ta request for clarification.
