Kitwe United F.C. Pays Outstanding Remuneration Following FIFA DRC Decision

Kitwe United F.C. Pays Outstanding Remuneration Following FIFA DRC Decision

Kitwe United F.C. has paid out a total K167,600 for wrongful termination of player’s contract in a decision by the FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber made two years ago.
And FAZ has sanctioned Trident F.C. and Konkola Blades F.C. for failure to honour financial obligations to players in cases of “Termination of contract without Just Cause” both filed by the Footballers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (FAWUZ).
Welcoming the development, FAWUZ General Secretary Joe Kaunda hailed the payment, despite having been delayed, as another victory for the player who’s welfare was at the heart of the Union’s existence.

Kitwe United has been compelled to finally pay the funds to Reagan Lulendo Kalobata, a former player who’s contract the club terminated without just cause. FAWUZ represented the player successfully with the FIFA DRC upholding the demand on 30th August, 2022.
As part of the FIFA DRC sanction, Kitwe United has in the last two seasons been banned from registration of new players nationally or internationally until the full payment of the K167,600 which includes interest.
The ban for two or three seasons (two or three consecutive registration periods) to register new players was effected following Kitwe United F.C.’s failure to have paid the FIFA awarded amount within the 45 days from 31 August, 2022.
The DRC found that Kitwe United F.C. had breached the contract without just cause and ordered the club to pay the following amounts:

1. Outstanding Remuneration
 K2,100 with 5% interest p.a. from September 1, 2021, until the date of effective payment.
 K6,500 with 5% interest p.a. from November 1, 2021, until the date of effective payment.
 K5,500 with 5% interest p.a. from December 1, 2021, until the date of effective payment.
 K650 with 5% interest p.a. from January 1, 2022, until the date of effective payment.
2. Compensation for Breach of Contract:
-K130,000 with 5% interest p.a. from May 6, 2022, until the date of effective payment. Kitwe United F.C. has since made full payment, including all applicable interest to Kalobata.
And the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Disciplinary Committee has also ruled in favour of two FAWUZ members in recent disputes with a total award of almost K50,000.

In the matter of Chrispin Sakulanda vs. Konkola Blades FC, the FAZ Disciplinary Committee has awarded the player K40,000 after the club was found guilty of having violated Article 13.2 of the FAZ Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players.
According to Article 13.2, “Clubs are required to comply with their financial obligations towards players and other clubs as per the terms stipulated in the contracts signed with their professional players and in the transfer agreements.”
“Failure to pay within 30 days will result in a ban on all transfers and loans for Konkola FC until the amount is settled,” the ruling read in part. And in a similar matter involving Boniface Matthews Mumba vs. Trident FC, the FAZ Disciplinary Committee also ruled that the club violated Article 13 of the FAZ Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players and ordered the payment of K7,440 to the complainant. All three players were successfully represented by FAWUZ against their former clubs in cases of “Termination of Contract without Just Cause”.
And Kaunda said FAWUZ remains dedicated to advocating for fair treatment and resolution of disputes for all its members.

“Clubs should be aware that failing to honour contractual obligations can lead to severe consequences, including financial penalties, transfer bans, and further disciplinary actions,” Kaunda said. “FAWUZ is not here to fight with clubs but to work alongside them to ensure that the interests of both players and clubs are protected. We are always available to guide clubs in doing the right thing regarding contract terminations and dispute resolutions. By engaging with FAWUZ early, clubs can avoid costly legal battles and maintain positive relationships with their players, ultimately benefiting the entire football community in Zambia.”