Zambian referees

Referees’ Voices Silenced: Underpayment Crisis Deepens in North-Western Province.
A storm is brewing in Zambian football circles as referees in the North-Western Province have raised their voices against what they term as unfair treatment and underpayment only to be met with silence. The controversy erupted after referees demanded an explanation over referee fees, a matter that has long been a source of discontent among match officials across the country.
According to reports, the provincial leadership abruptly closed a WhatsApp group that served as a communication platform for referees and administrators after referees questioned the Provincial Referees Coordinator’s decision to endorse documents relating to match fees without prior consultation. The closure has sparked outrage among referees who feel their concerns are being deliberately suppressed.
We deserve to know how these decisions are made. The coordinator is supposed to represent referees, not act on behalf of others without our consent,” said one referee who requested anonymity for fear of victimization.
The referees argue that the coordinator’s unilateral endorsement of the controversial fee document raises questions about whose interests he truly represents. The situation has created tension between the referees and provincial leadership, with many calling for transparency and accountability in how match officiating fees are determined.

Power 1-2 Arrows
Mulambia 12" Kagwamda 52" Chilimina 84"

The four elements of DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity) are the key factors that referees must consider when deciding whether a player has denied an opponent an obvious chance to score a goal.

These elements are often remembered by the acronym “D-D--C-N 👇

The following must be considered:

1. Distance between the offence and the goal
How close was the offence to the goal?
The nearer the offence occurs to the goal, the more likely it is to be an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

Example:
A foul 5 metres from goal is more likely to be DOGSO than one 40 metres away.

2. Direction of the play
Could the attacking player have controlled or kept possession of the ball if not fouled?
The opportunity must be obvious — not just a possible chance.

Example:
If the ball is within playing distance and the attacker would clearly have controlled it, this element is satisfied.

3. control of the ball,likelihood of keeping or gaining
Was the attacker moving towards the goal?
If the player is moving away from the goal or toward the corner, it’s less likely to be an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

4.Number of defenders and location
How many defenders (including the goalkeeper) were between the attacker and the goal?
If there are no other defenders able to challenge before a shot, it’s likely DOGSO.
Example:
A last defender tripping an attacker running alone towards the goalkeeper is classic DOGSO

DOGSO: Inside vs Outside the Penalty Area

A. Outside the Penalty Area

Sanction: 🔴 Red Card + Direct Free Kick

If a player commits an offence that denies an opponent an obvious goal-scoring opportunity outside the penalty area (e.g., tripping, holding, deliberate handball), it’s a sending-off offence.

Example: A defender pulls down an attacker who is through on goal, just outside the box → Red card.

We can now refer to the games we were watching today and days to come.

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Mulambia

FIFA Referees Committee (2025–2026)

Following its reorganization in 2017, the FIFA Referees Committee continues to feature two representatives from each confederation — the Head of Refereeing and a member of the Referees Committee.

For the 2025–2026 term, FIFA has introduced several notable changes. The previous members — An-Yan Lim Kee Chong (MRI), Noumandiez Doué (CIV), Wilson Seneme (BRA), Lance VanHaitsma (USA), and Dagmar Damková (CZE) have been replaced by Hugues Adjovi (BEN), Victor Gomes (RSA, pictured), Federico Beligoy (ARG), Joel Aguilar (SLV), and Rebecca Welch (ENG).

Italy continues to maintain strong representation through three former World Cup referees: Pierluigi Collina (FIFA), Nicola Rizzoli (CONCACAF), and Roberto Rosetti (UEFA).

Committee Composition
Chairman:
Pierluigi Collina (Italy)

Deputy Chairman:
Hany Al-Raeesi (Qatar, AFC Referees Committee)

Members:

1. Shamsul Maidin (Singapore, AFC Head of Refereeing)
2. Hugues Adjovi (Benin, CAF Referees Committee)
3. Victor Gomes (South Africa, CAF Head of Refereeing)
4. Joel Aguilar (El Salvador, CONCACAF Referees Committee)
5. Nicola Rizzoli (Italy, CONCACAF Head of Refereeing)
6. Federico Beligoy (Argentina, CONMEBOL Referees Committee)
7. Enrique Cáceres (Paraguay, CONMEBOL Head of Refereeing)
8. Neil Poloso (Solomon Islands, OFC Referees Committee)
9. Kevin Stoltenkamp (New Zealand, OFC Head of Refereeing)
10. Roberto Rosetti (Italy, UEFA Head of Refereeing)
11. Rebecca Welch (England, UEFA Referees Committee)

FAZ HOLDS FIRST-EVER REFEREES ASSESSOR COURSE AS 34 EARN FIFA CERTIFICATION

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has successfully conducted its first-ever Referees Assessor Course under the supervision of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), marking a historic milestone in the country’s football development agenda.
FAZ President Keith Mweemba says refereeing remains one of the key pillars of football development that his administration is prioritizing, as part of efforts to professionalize and modernize the Zambian game.
It is not a secret that refereeing matters formed part of the pillars of my campaign message when I sought office,” Mweemba said. “It is not by accident that in the few months we have been in office, we have kept the match officiating agenda at the top of football discourse.
He noted that FAZ, working closely with FIFA, CAF, and COSAFA, has been advancing key initiatives such as the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system and the revision of match officiating fees to enhance referee welfare.
We are happy that the selected candidates reflect some of the best referees we have had in our game,” Mweemba added. “Incorporating assessors is part of ensuring we tap into the expertise of former referees. The role of a referee assessor is not only to evaluate performance but also to mentor and guide referees to meet the highest standards of the game.

He emphasized that the assessor course is designed to equip participants with modern tools, updated methodologies, and international best practices, thereby strengthening teamwork and accountability within the refereeing structure.
A total of 34 Referees Assessors have now received FIFA certification, with 40 more candidates expected to participate in the second stream next week.
Meanwhile, FIFA Instructor and COSAFA Head of Referees Felix Tangawarima commended FAZ for investing in referee development, saying Zambia’s efforts would soon yield more international opportunities for its match officials.

If referees continue with what they have promised and what I have seen, we will soon see many of them going beyond Zambia’s borders to officiate across Africa,” Tangawarima said. “Zambia is supporting FIFA, COSAFA, and CAF with quality referees, and this is a reflection of the progress being made.

He highlighted Zambia’s growing regional influence, noting that the country had recently sent two sets of men’s referees to officiate in CAF Champions League matches simultaneously—a rare achievement that showcases Zambia’s growing stature in African football.
This demonstrates that your executive is doing its job. Not only the male referees, but even the women are being recognized continentally,” he said. “With top instructors like Janny Sikazwe and Gladys Lengwe consistently engaged at continental and global levels, Zambia is already breaking new ground in refereeing excellence

FAZ’s initiative marks another major step in strengthening match officiating standards, fostering fair play, integrity, and professionalism across all levels of Zambian football.

Prisons Leopards Vs Mufulira Wanderers Early kick off.

⚽ Kabwe Warriors Bag 3 Points as Konkola Blades Win the Fans’ Hearts

It was a game of grit versus grace as Kabwe Warriors edged Konkola Blades 1–0 in a thrilling encounter.
The home side may have taken all three points, but it was the visitors who left the pitch with applause ringing in their ears. Blades played with confidence and flair stringing passes together, controlling the tempo, and looking every bit the side in charge.
Warriors, however, had one clear mission: three points, nothing more, nothing less. And they executed it perfectly. Despite being under pressure for long spells, they stayed compact, defended bravely, and made their one goal count.
Late in the match, Warriors nearly doubled their lead, but the Konkola goalkeeper determined not to repeat his earlier mistake produced a fine save to keep the score line respectable.
When the whistle blew, Warriors had their victory, and Blades had the fans’ admiration.
A tough, tactical battle and a reminder that sometimes, the heart wins even when the score doesn’t.

women football

FAZ Rolls Out Intensive Referee Assessor Course in Lusaka

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has summoned 34 former elite referees, including distinguished ex-FIFA officials drawn from across the country, to participate in an intensive referee assessor’s course scheduled for 6th to 10th October,2025 in Lusaka.

The program underscores FAZ’s commitment to raising the standards of officiating in Zambia. Referee assessors play a critical role in the development of referees by evaluating performance, providing mentorship, and ensuring that the laws of the game are applied consistently and fairly.

FAZ emphasized the importance of the initiative:

“We are determined to professionalize refereeing in Zambia. By training assessors, we are creating a system where referees are constantly guided, corrected, and encouraged to uphold the highest standards. This is how we will reduce complaints and improve the credibility of our game.”

The course will equip the former elite referees with modern methods of assessing, aligning Zambia’s refereeing standards with CAF and FIFA requirements. With continuous training, Zambia hopes to nurture a pool of referees capable of officiating at both continental and global levels.

“Investing in referee assessors is investing in the future of Zambian football,” . “Our goal is to create consistency, fairness, and excellence in officiating across all leagues, from grassroots to the Super League.”

As Zambia continues to strengthen its football structures, initiatives such as this reflect the country’s dedication to the continuous improvement of both referees and the overall football environment.

Muchinga Province football has been hit by a ‘tsunami’ caused by referees, who have downed tools following a dispute over transport allowance increments.

Mufulira Wanderers Held to a Goalless Draw by Kansanshi Dynamos

Mufulira Wanderers failed to delight their home fans as they were held to a barren 0-0 draw by Kansanshi Dynamos at Shinde Stadium on Saturday in the Zambia Premier League.

The stadium was packed, and the fans were eager to celebrate their new green smoke ritual, a symbol of goals and home advantage. However, Kansanshi’s disciplined defence stood firm throughout the match, denying the hosts any opportunity to break the deadlock.

The first half saw Kansanshi enjoying a slight upper hand, with better control in midfield and threatening counters. Wanderers struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the game lacked the urgency expected from a home side seeking to impose themselves.

After the halftime break, Wanderers came out with renewed intent following two quick substitutions that injected energy and attacking momentum. The second half clearly belonged to Maite, with waves of attacks pressing Kansanshi deep into their own half. Fans were on the edge of their seats as multiple opportunities went begging, drawing loud gasps and chants of frustration around the stadium.

Despite five minutes of added time, Wanderers could not convert their dominance into goals. Kansanshi, on the other hand, remained resolute and disciplined, earning a well-deserved point on the road.

The final whistle confirmed the barren draw, leaving Wanderers fans disappointed while Kansanshi