ZESCO United ban lifted by Zambian Premier League

The Zambian Premier League have confirmed their decision to lift the suspension slapped on ZESCO United from taking part in the Zambian Super League.

ZESCO were expelled from the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) for breaching football rules and regulations by taking a football related dispute to a conventional court of law.

The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) hereby confirms the immediate lifting of the suspension of ZESCO United Football Club from the league. This follows the mutual agreement by both parties to withdraw the court case. pic.twitter.com/xWOvKVdE1N

— Dennis Mabuka (@DennisMabu4694) April 7, 2026

The suspension threw the league’s fixtures in turmoil and compromised careers of coaches and players. However, in a statement, Zambia Premier League have confirmed overturning the decision.

Suspension of ZESCO United lifted

“The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) hereby confirms the immediate lifting of the suspension of ZESCO United Football Club from the league,” read part of the statement.

“This follows the mutual agreement by both parties to withdraw the court case. In addition, their week 20 fixture against Green Eagles will proceed as planned.

The ZPL looks forward to the amicable resolution of all outstanding matters and the smooth progression of the league.”

Following this development, the club formally engaged the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and requested that it facilitates for the convening of the constitutionally established Arbitration Tribunal to determine the matter in accordance with the governing statutes.

Despite these efforts, FAZ and the ZPL did not oblige the club’s request, and in fact intimated that the matter was administrative and did not require the intervention of any other body beyond FAZ and the ZPL.

Why ZESCO United was banned

ZESCO United went to the traditional court of law to challenge their removal from the ABSA Cup over their earlier fixture against Mutondo Stars, which had already been played earlier in the season.

During its assessment, ZPL classified the match as a postponed fixture although ZESCO United had reached the required 17-game threshold needed for qualification.

The Ndola-based team was subsequently instructed to replay the fixture, which they lost resulting in the forfeiture of their ABSA Cup slot to FC MUZA, a team founded by Zimbabwe Football Association president Keith Mweemba, who announced that he is no longer involved in its administration after assuming the highest office.

There is a lot at stake as the ABSA Cup winners earn the ticket to represent Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup and ZESCO were the holders.

The ABSA Cup defending champions represented Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup before the exiting the group stages with just one win, beating previous holders Zamalek while losing most of the matches to Kaizer Chiefs and Al Masry FC also from Egypt.