KAMANGA’S ARREST HAS SENT BAD SIGNAL – NYATI

By Fulman Mukobeko

AFRICA’S Democratic and Economic Development Organization -Zambia Must Change Now ADEDO-ZAMUCANO Vice President Daniel Nyati says the arrest of Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga has sent a bad signal to the world of football.

Kamanga was arrested and charged with money laundering offences as the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) alleged that Kamanga obtained the Government funds under false pretenses and was part of a conspiracy to defraud.

The DEC says the 57-year-old used the money to fund trips for two associates to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year.

Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame – the two individuals who travelled to the tournament as part of FAZ’s support staff – have also been charged, along with FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga.

An investigation revealed that neither Madalitso Kamanga, who is no relation to Andrew Kamanga, nor Siame held official or executive positions within FAZ.

When reached for a comment, Nyati said the arrest of Kamanga was regrettable. He said it would be very sad if the Government had a hand in the arrest of Kamanga.

“We are worried because the head of the Football Governing Body in this country was arrested. We expect that the FAZ executive will be above board for his arrest. His arrest does send good signals but we look forward to a time when he will get an opportunity to exculpate himself,” he said

Nyati added: “Matters of Football are governed by FIFA statutes. If not a mistake, I think every dispute must be referred to FIFA. In this particular case, we have seen that the Government has come in. Of course the Government is duty bound to investigate every criminal activity. For us, we just hope that the Government will not be deemed to have crossed its boundaries. Let the activities of Football be governed by the Football Association in itself.”