Olympic Qualifier: Zambia Requests Referee Change

The football association of Zambia (FAZ) has asked FIFA to change the referees appointed to handle next week?s winner-takes-all 2004 Olympics qualifier with Ghana to be played in Kumasi.

Association spokesman Mwansa Mbulakulima said at a Press briefing in Lusaka yesterday that FAZ had asked FIFA to change the referees from Togo because they were neighbours with Ghana and FAZ feared that there might be an element of bias in the officiating.

Mbulakulima said that FAZ had also requested FIFA to change the kick off time from 14:00 hours to 16:00 hours because of unbearable temperatures in that country.

On the Togolese referees, Mbulakulima said: ?It could be a disadvantage to us because they may have a soft spot for their neighbour. This is a decisive game so we must go with clear minds. We don?t want to leave any stones unturned,? he said.

Zambia and Ghana, who played out a scoreless draw in their first meeting in Lusaka, share top slot in Group D of the qualifying series for the 2004 Olympics soccer championships with 10 points.

The winner of the March 27 game to be played in Kumasi qualifies to the finals to be played in Greece in August.

The last time the two sides met in this competition, Zambia won by the odd goal in three after triumphing 2-0 in Lusaka and went on to make an impressive showing at the 1988 Seoul Olympics in South Korea.

Ghana will be out to get their own back and FAZ says it wants the officiating to be right for both sides in such a high-stakes game.

Mbulakulima said that the team would be camped at the Commonwealth Youth Centre until next Tuesday when they leave for South Africa.

Mbulakulima said the team would leave for Ghana on Thursday after playing a friendly match on Wednesday against either Kaizer chiefs or Orlando Pirates both South African Premier sides.

Meanwhile, FAZ will hold a FIFA needs assessment workshop from next Monday to Wednesday at Lwengu lodge in Ibex Hill where various stakeholders have been invited.

Mbulakulima said the aim of the workshop which has drawn participants from FIFA where a consultant and development officer will be required to produce a plan of action to enable FAZ qualify for the second FIFA GOAL project.

FAZ has also said that the Evaristo Kasunga-led executive was expected to attend the association?s annual general meeting (AGM) next month to answer queries relating to the audited accounts during their tenure of office.

?It is our wish that Mr Pivoty Simwanza and other members of the FAZ executive will attend the reconvened AGM to answer any queries pertaining to the audited accounts of FAZ for 2003 when they were in office.

?Natural justice and fair play demands that all parties must be heard before a decision is made. Further public funding demands accountability,? he said.