FAZ Clarifies Häuptle Situation, Addresses FIFA Dispute and Visa Challenges

By: Sports Hunter South Sudan- 14th April 2026 - 

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has issued a detailed statement addressing ongoing matters involving Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle, including salary disputes, contractual discussions, and recent developments escalated to FIFA.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday, FAZ Head of Media and Communications Nkweto Tembwe revealed that the current administration inherited salary arrears of up to five months upon taking office.

According to Tembwe, the association engaged FIFA through a mediation process that resulted in the full settlement of the outstanding payments, prompting the coach to withdraw her initial complaint.

FAZ has since addressed a subsequent issue involving two months’ salary, though discussions have now shifted toward proposed amendments to Häuptle’s contract. The Swiss tactician is reportedly seeking a significant salary reduction—up to 50 percent—to allow her to take on an additional role while remaining in charge of the national team.

However, FAZ has expressed reservations over the proposal, emphasizing that the role of national team coach requires full-time commitment. The federation also confirmed that Häuptle has requested to step down from her duties as Technical Advisor to junior teams, a position FAZ considers vital for long-term development.

Tensions escalated on April 11 when the coach filed fresh claims with FIFA, including demands linked to future competitions such as the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

While acknowledging minor delays in salary payments, FAZ maintained that these did not exceed two months and do not justify claims tied to tournaments yet to be played. The association confirmed it is preparing a formal legal response and will engage FIFA through the appropriate channels.

On the FIFA Series, FAZ dismissed suggestions of poor planning, attributing logistical challenges to visa delays affecting foreign-based players. Tembwe stated that all relevant stakeholders, including FIFA, were kept informed throughout the process.

FAZ was advised to prepare a contingency squad of locally based players as delays persisted, with several senior players—including Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, and Grace Chanda—eventually travelling via Zambia to join the team in Brazil after securing their visas.


Despite the off-field issues, FAZ insists preparations for upcoming competitions remain on track, citing participation in regional and international fixtures as part of its build-up.

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