Orlando Pride general manager and vice president of soccer operations has filed a grievance with FIFA against the Football Association of Zambia on behalf of new signing Grace Chanda. The grievance is for the Zambian federation's failure to provide a reasonable standard of care for player health and safety after Chanda suffered a ruptured quadriceps tendon while playing for Zambia at the 2024 Olympics.
Chanda left Zambia's opening match of the Olympics after 38 minutes due to injury and did not play again in the tournament. Orlando signed Chanda in May, and she was due to begin playing with the Pride following the Olympics. However, she was placed on the season-ending injury list earlier this month.
An Orlando Pride spokesperson confirmed that the grievance was filed with FIFA by the general manager and vice president of soccer operations. The club expressed disappointment for Chanda's injury and emphasized the importance of prioritizing her health and welfare for a safe return to the pitch.
Chanda's injury raised concerns about the medical and performance resources available to her during the Olympics, as well as the travel arrangements from Orlando to France. Zambia's football operations were already under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct by head coach Bruce Mwape, with FIFA opening an investigation last year.
Zambia's performance at the 2024 Olympics was disappointing, losing all three matches and conceding 13 goals. Chanda signed with the Pride through the 2025 NWSL season, with a mutual option for 2026. She previously played for Madrid CFF in Spain's top flight and was on the shortlist for Africa's player of the year award in 2022.
Orlando Pride is currently unbeaten through 17 games this season and sits atop the NWSL table with 41 points. The team is in search of their first NWSL Shield and only their second playoff appearance since joining the league in 2016. Orlando is led by Zambian forward Barbra Banda, whose 12 goals rank second in the league.
