The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Copperbelt Province’s Roan United Football Club, for using ineligible player , a major blow in its fight for promotion to the National League.
The decision follows a ruling in favour of Nangweshi Pirates FC, who had lodged a protest regarding player eligibility.
According to a statement released by FAZ, the Committee found Roan United guilty of fielding an ineligible player during their Group B fixture against Nangweshi Pirates.
The investigation revealed that the player listed as Musamvu James on the match return form was not registered with Roan United for the 2024/25 season.
Further checks indicated that the name was linked to a different player currently registered with Airport Warriors FC.
The inquiry also uncovered that the FAZ ID number used for the player matched that of another Roan United squad member, confirming a clear case of identity misrepresentation and falsification.
In accordance with Rule 3.1 and Rule 6.1 of the 2025 National Division One Playoffs regulations, the Committee has awarded a 3-0 victory to Nangweshi Pirates FC and declared Roan United to have forfeited the match.
In a separate ruling, Nangweshi Pirates were also sanctioned by the Committee for misconduct exhibited by members of their technical team.
The club was cited for unsporting behaviour and attempts to interfere with the disciplinary process, resulting in a fine of K3,000, in accordance with Article 14 of the FAZ Disciplinary Code. The fine must be settled before their next scheduled fixture on June 19, 2025.
Additionally, the club has been instructed to submit a formal retraction and written apology from club official Likando Mubyana, who was directly involved in the misconduct.
FAZ further cautioned Nangweshi Pirates that any future violations may result in more severe penalties, including possible disqualification from the tournament.
The decision significantly impacts the dynamics in Group B, where Makeni All Stars currently top the table with six points after winning both of their opening games against Teta FC and Nangweshi Pirates.
Nangweshi Pirates are now back in the race for promotion, sitting on three points alongside Teta FC, with both teams having played two games each.
Meanwhile, Roan United FC joins Barts FC at the bottom of the group, both having zero points from one game played.