Zambia: ZESCO United lose points over ineligible players

Zambia’s top-flight league side ZESCO United have been docked three points and fined USD428 for fielding ineligible players.

The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) punished the nine-time MTN Super League champions on Wednesday for fielding the unregistered players during the match against Konkola Blades in Lusaka on August 16 2025.

The opening game of the 2025-2026 season, played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, ended 0-0. Now the newly-promoted Blades have been awarded maximum points and a 3-0 goal-margin.

“Following a review of the match, it was established that ZESCO United fielded ineligible players. In accordance with the regulations,” reads ZPL’s statement.

“The match result has been awarded as a 3–0 victory to Konkola Blades. ZESCO United has been fined K10,000 (Ten Thousand Kwacha), payable within seven (7) days.”

ZESCO have, through their chief executive officer Ponda Liwewe, attributed the incident to “an administrative lapse that led to the fielding of ineligible players due to an incomplete team registration process.”

“This lapse is a clear breach of set standards, which our league managers, sponsors, fans and supporters expect of us. Effective immediately, the club has instituted remedial action and are implementing corrective measures to prevent any recurrence,” Liwewe said.

“We extend our sincerest apologies to our players, our dedicated supporters, our partners, the Zambian Premier League, and the wider football community. Our commitment to the integrity of the game and to restoring faith in our operations is absolute.”

ZESCO will also represent Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup starting off with Gabonese side FC 105 Libreville.