According to a verified report, the Football […]

According to a verified report, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in 2025 recorded K589,520 income from player transfers, a slight increase from K558,525 recorded in 2024. Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times, Elite Stars Academy proprietor Choolwe Handila described the record as concerning, highlighting that this reflects the degradation of football in the country over the past few years.

 Normally, FAZ does not directly benefit from player transfers, but they are able to rake in administrative and international levies. The association charges international clearance levies to process and register player transfers through the FIFA Transfer Matching System.

 However, the lowly record also reflects the lack of shipment of many players abroad, but also the Super League usually does not have much activity during the transfer window; fewer moves for players imply less income for FAZ. Meanwhile, Handila raised alarm over the lack of disclosure of transfer fees in most cases, stating that there is a need for the association to create policy that compels the clubs to disclose.

He added that the status quo creates dishonest dealings, especially amongst top clubs that usually manipulate academies into selling players at a lowly price, as low as a pair of jerseys and boots. A practice that deprives the academies and clubs that groomed the players from getting a handsome share.

But it also promotes exploitation on the part of the player; there is a need for value for talent. Handila bemoaned the frequency of such cases in the local league but added that the lack of a clearcut policy is problematic.

“It comes down to clubs and academies; if we are going to sell a player, there is always a selfish interest that always comes in because they want to have a certain chunk of the money; there are a lot of undisclosed fees in our transfer market.” “That’s why it’s easy for these big clubs to come to academies and offer a pair of jerseys for a player or K10,000, but the truth remains they should start disclosing the amount made from player sales.”

Article by Samuel Mutale