Zambia FA refuses to pay Chipolopolo coach Asanovic

Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic says he wants his salary, but Zambia FA president Andrew Kamanga insists he is not going to pay a coach who has gone AWOL.

Asanovic, who spoke through his Croatian lawyer Davor Radic claims he is on leave with Football Association’s (FAZ) consent but that Football House owes him $31,345.61 (R550 591,91) of his salary.

Radic said in a statement that he had exchanged correspondence with FAZ over Asanovic’s absence and insists his client is innocent.

THE LETTER FROM ASANOVIC’s LAWYLER

“From your letter, it follows that you will not pay this amount of money to coach Asanovic, as in your letter you stated that you are denying him the amount due to his alleged absence as well as several other things,” Radic’s letter read in part.

Asanovic and his three assistants returned to their base in Croatia after July 30 at the end of Chipolopolo’s unsuccessful 2023 CHAN qualifying campaign against Mozambique.

But Asanovic failed to return to Zambia to prepare his programme for this weekend’s two away friendlies against Mali.

Asanovic was appointed Chipolopolo coach in January 2022 and has presided over 10 games, winning 5, losing 3 and drawing 2.

Meanwhile, FAZ President Kamanga said there was a morality issue here when an employee fails to turn up for work but demands a salary at the end of the month.

“It is immoral for him to get paid for not working,” Kamanga said.

“The local league started six weeks ago, and he is supposed to be in Zambia, but he is not here instead he is in Croatia. Qualifying for the CHAN was part of the target and he failed and left without permission.

“We are waiting for him to come back.”

Meanwhile, Chipolopolo kick off their friendly doubleheader against Mali on September 23 which will see assistant coach Moses Sichone in charge.

The final game is set for September 26.