By MICHAEL MIYOBA
HE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has challenged Croatian gaffer Aljosa Asanovic to go ahead with his plans to report the association to FIFA after resigning as Chipolopolo coach due to alleged violation of contractual obligations by FAZ.
Asanovic terminated his contract as Chipolopolo coach after FAZ allegedly violated the contractual duties by failing to fulfil financial obligations towards the Croatian.
According to Asanovic’s legal representative Davor Radic, FAZ owes the Croatian US$41, 000 in salary arrears accrued between May, June and July 2022.
Radic said Asanovic who has been on the Chipolopolo technical bench for over a year as Technical Director and head coach was only paid a small part of the debt which had reached US$75, 000 for the three months he wasn’t paid.
Radic said that with the latest amendments to the FIFA rulebook on the status and transfers of players, coaches have been standardised in that rulebook among players and non-payment of two salaries by the association or club constitutes a justified reason for the coach to unilaterally terminate the contract.
Radic also noted that Asanovic had a clause in his contract with FAZ that states that he can terminate the contract when FAZ fails to pay even one month’s salary.
FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala said the association has no issues with the Croatian reporting to FIFA because it is also seeking closure on the matter. Kashala confirmed that following weeks of fruitless efforts to get the coach to return to his workstation and resolve contractual matters, FAZ had been notified byAsanovic through his lawyers that he has quit his position as Chipolopolo gaffer.
“We welcome Asanovic’s desire to report the matter to FIFA as we equally want finality on the matter especially in the claim for remuneration for the period one is absent from work,” he said.
Kashala said FAZ, in consultation with the government and other stakeholders will announce the next steps in due course.
Earlier, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga stated that the association does not owe Asanovic anything after he left the country on July 30 after he failed to qualify Zambia to the CHAN.
The 56-year-old former Croatian international was first engaged on July 27, 2021 as Chipolopolo Technical Director before he was named as Beston Chambeshi’s replacement as head coach on January 18, 2022.
Meanwhile, the Chipolopolo will today seek revenge against the Eagles of Mali when the two teams face off in the second international friendly match.
The Chipolopolo, now in the hands of Moses Sichone will seek redemption and fight for a win to comfort Zambians who are now doubtful of the team’s direction following the sudden departure of the Croatian.
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