The Football Association of Zambia have sent a stern warning to clubs that are conducting clandestine training against government guidelines.

FAZ says they have received information of clubs who are conducting training and have since warned that such clubs found wanting will be punished.

“We have received numerous reports of clubs conducting clandestine training in direct contravention of Ministry of Health COVID-19 Regulations and warning issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sport,” a letter served to the clubs read.

“We have been reliably informed that some clubs are doing this under the subterfuge of aerobics and team building exercises.

“We take strong exception to such activities that break the law as laid in Statutory Instruments 21 and 22 of 2020 and defy the directives of the Government.”

FAZ have stated categorically that such activities not only endanger the health and lives of all concerned but are in total disregard of the Government and FAZ directives that expressly prohibit them.

“All Clubs found wanting in this respect will be severely punished as the Football Association of Zambia as an affiliate of the National Sports Council of Zambia is duty bound to obey all directives of the Government and respect the law of the land,” the letter reads further.

“Furthermore clubs and club officials that are found to have contravened the COVID-19 Restrictions announced may be liable for criminal prosecution over and above the sanctions of the Association.

“Therefore we are instructing all clubs to strictly adhere to the COVID-19 restrictions as laid down by the government and cease any activities that may abrogate them.”

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Emmanuel Mulenga has revealed that the government has no problem with the league resuming as long as all health protocols are observed.

“It is not my ministry’s role to run football but FAZ, so if FAZ wants to restart the league, we will give the support that is needed because COVID will be with us for a while and we have to learn to live with it,” Mulenga said as quoted by the Times of Zambia.

“As stated by President Edgar Lungu, this is the new normal. Life should continue, life should not come to a standstill, so I give this back to you (FAZ) to go and agree before we take it to the Ministry of Health,” he said.