The team for the 2023 World Cup is owed money for nearly two years

Unpaid money related to matches and about 100 days of concentration as of August 2021. Statistics include 40 days of practice and competition at the 2022 African Women's Football Championship.

Two days before the friendly against Germany 3-2 on 7/7, the Zambia team refused to practice to protest the lack of pay. Last week, when they went to New Zealand for the 2023 World Cup, they also protested by not singing the traditional song. The Football Federation of Zambia, FAZ declined to answer when asked about salary debt.

"Do your part, and the government will do its part," said Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema. "I heard there's a thing or two that hasn't been done, but it will be done, believe me. Believe in the team."

Last month, FIFA announced it would pay $30,000, through the national football federation, to each player for the 2023 World Cup. According to the Professional Players Association, this is the result of the collective action of more than 150 national players and months of constructive negotiations with FIFA.

Besides the issue of salary debt, the Zambia team is also involved in the sexual abuse allegations of coach Bruce Mwape. FIFA has contacted FAZ to investigate, but declined to comment on the process.

Zambia U17 coach Kaluba Kangwa is also among those being investigated. This person has left the position, although there is no official announcement from the FAZ.

Zambia is in Group C of the 2023 World Cup. They have just lost to Japan 0-5 in the opening match yesterday, July 22, and will meet Spain on July 26 and then Costa Rica on July 31. Zambia won tickets to the World Cup thanks to its achievement in the semi-finals of the 2022 Africa Championship.