Faz Warns Fans Against Political Chants.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on October 11, 2026, FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya said political messaging in stadia was contrary to established continental and international football regulations.
Chakatazya cited Article 40(1) of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Safety and Security Regulations, which prohibits political or religious messages inside or near a stadium before, during and after a match.
He said Article 40(2) of the same regulations also prohibits political or religious banners, symbols, pictures and other items in such areas.
Chakatazya further referred to Article 2(1)(l) of the CAF Statutes, which emphasises the independence of African football management and the need to avoid political interference, as well as Article 4(2) of the FIFA Statutes, which establishes FIFA’s neutrality in political and religious matters.
“Football belongs to all Zambians, regardless of their political affiliation. Our stadia must remain places where people come together to support their teams, not platforms for advancing political interests. We urge all supporters to respect the regulations and preserve the unifying spirit of the game,” Chakatazya pleaded.
He said although FAZ recognised the right to freedom of expression, such rights should be exercised within the applicable football regulations.
Chakatazya warned that FAZ would work with relevant stakeholders and stadium authorities to enforce the rules and pursue appropriate action against individuals who violated stadium regulations and disciplinary requirements.
“We want every supporter to feel welcome at our stadia, but that comes with a responsibility to respect football's rules. We will take appropriate action against violations in accordance with the applicable regulations because protecting football's integrity must remain our collective responsibility,” Chakatazya said.
He stressed that the Association’s priority was to protect the integrity of football while ensuring that supporters enjoyed the game in a safe, respectful and inclusive environment.