Under-Fire FAZ Denies Paying Grant Severance Package

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has moved to defend itself against mounting criticism over payments made to former Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant, insisting no severance package was paid when the Israeli tactician departed.

In what appears to be a defensive response to growing public scrutiny, FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande issued a statement seeking to clarify financial details that emerged during the association's reconvened Annual General Meeting on Tuesday.

The embattled football body has faced a barrage of questions on social media and in news outlets following revelations that Grant received US$277,222.99 (K6,387,516) around the time of his departure from the national team coaching role.

Shepande dismissed suggestions that the substantial sum represented a termination payout, claiming instead that it was merely outstanding salary owed to the coach. "For the avoidance of doubt, the figures cited in the financial report during yesterday's reconvened AGM refer solely to monies owed to the coach, not a separation package," Shepande stated.

The FAZ official further sought to distance the current Keith Mweemba-led administration from responsibility for the accumulated debt, asserting that "most of the outstanding amount accumulated long before the Keith Mweemba administration took over."

According to Shepande, the separation between FAZ and Grant was "entirely mutual" with no severance arrangement.

In a parting shot clearly aimed at media coverage of the issue, Shepande urged journalists to verify information before publication, though critics might argue the association's own transparency has left much to be desired.

The controversy adds to mounting pressure on FAZ amid broader questions about its stewardship of Zambian football and financial accountability.