FIFPRO-FAWUZ Recognizes Copper Queens: $100,000 Awarded for Image Rights Signing.
FAWUZ has handed over the first disbursement of the four year total award of US$100,000 to the Copper Queens as payment for the team's image rights consent.
And the Football Association of Zambia General Secretary, Mr. Reuben Kamanga hailed the historic award of the four year K2.7 million equivalent deal secured by FAWUZ’s and its mother body – FIFPRO, a strong gesture of the union’s commitment towards the welfare of the players in Zambia.
Meanwhile, Copper Queens deputy Captain, Grace Chanda has thanked FAWUZ for the support towards the women’s national team and pledged hard work from all the players in the team to ensure more glory and success for the country.
Making the presentation of a cheque of almost K600,000 to the 24 Copper Queens at a joint briefing with the Football Association of Zambia at Football House on Wednesday, FAWUZ President Mr. Sandras Kumwenda described the occasion as historic as it was the first time the women’s national football team had received such a payment in appreciation of their talent and hard work after their appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
” To encourage this trajectory, FAWUZ in conjunction with our mother body FIFPRO facilitated the signing of consent agreement with 24 members of the Copper Queens for the use and exploitation of their images in the publicity of the beautiful game of football, as such we are happy to announce a secured funding of about US$100,000 to our ladies to be paid over the next four years,” Mr. Kumwenda disclosed.
In this historic development, a total of close to k600,000 has been paid out by FAWUZ under the auspices of the world player union - FIFPRO to 24 Copper Queens in the first ever deal for the Zambia women’s team worth US$100,000 or kwacha equivalent of almost k2.7 million to be paid over the next four instalments over the four years.
Mr. Kumwenda further hailed the strong partnership between FAZ and FAWUZ which he said was essential in both the administration and development of football in Zambia, with the two organisations being custodian of football in the country and the voice advocating for the welfare and working conditions of players, respectively.
The collaboration is aimed at ensuring fair representation, just compensation, and a secure future for the players.
He praised remarkable achievements by FAZ in 2023, with the Chipolopolo having qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and, notably, the Copper Queens who made history by participating in the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time.
The achievements were a testament to the collective efforts of FAZ, the Ministry of Sport, stakeholders, and fans.
And FAZ General Secretary Mr. Kamanga in his address said the presentation ceremony underlined the deep interest and commitment of FAWUZ to the players whose livelihood and earnings come from football.
“I wish to thank FAWUZ for their enriching and memorable experience for the Copper Queens as these opportunities will help create financial stability while the players focus on playing the sport they love,” Mr. Kamanga said.“May I take this opportunity to commend FIFPRO and FAWUZ for its proactive role and support for footballers over the years.”
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the Copper Queens, deputy Captain Chanda said the team was excited with the payment from FAWUZ which was in appreciation of their hard work and pledged, on behalf of her team mates, to continue pushing for glory for the country.
She further hailed FIFPRO and FAWUZ for honouring the agreement as this showed the commitment to the welfare of the women's team and serving players in the country.
The ceremony was also attended by FAZ senior management, FAWUZ General Secretary Joe Kaunda, FAWUZ Executive members, secretariat staff and members of the Press.
Let's rally behind our Copper Queens and build a brighter future for women's football in Zambia.
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