Zambia fans in a past match: Photo Credit: Football Association of Zambia Media.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a $20,000 fine on the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) for fans’ pitch invasion offence with half the amount suspended.
CAF has accused FAZ of failing to control fans who invaded the pitch during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group G qualifier against Sierra Leone at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on September 10, 2024.
In a statement, FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga confirmed that CAF had fined Zambia $20, 000 for the pitch invasion and failure to maintain adequate security measures during the match.
“CAF Disciplinary Board decides: To impose on the Football Association of Zambia a fine of USD 20,000 for pitch invasion and failure to maintain adequate security measures during the match,” Kamanga quotes correspondence from CAF.
“USD 10,000 of the aforementioned fine is suspended provided that FAZ is not found guilty of a similar incident for 12 months. If the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) commits a similar infraction during this period, the USD 10,000 suspended fine will be automatically imposed, notwithstanding other sanctions that the CAF Disciplinary Board may impose.”
FAZ shared a copy of CAF’s correspondence, which, in part, reads: “The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision.”
Kamanga has since cautioned the fans to behave during games to avoid such punishments.
“We have repeatedly warned fans to desist from throwing missiles on the pitch or invade the pitch during matches either in protest or celebration. The sanctions can be as high as being banned from playing matches at home. We appeal to fans to behave better in 2025 and make the stadium safer for families to attend matches,” he said.
Zambia won the game 3-2 to seal their place at the next AFCON finals thanks to goals from Kennedy Musonda, Kelvin Kampamba and Kings Kangwa whereas Augustus Kargbo and Hindolo Mustapha the Leone Stars’ consolation.
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