FAZ suspends Simataa
By ROBINSON KUNDA and VICTOR KUMWENDATHE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has slapped an indefinite suspension on outspoken football administrator Simataa Simataa from all football-related activities for alleged gross misconduct and bringing the game into disrepute.
And Simataa has confirmed receiving the suspension letter and is planning his next move – taking the matter to the FAZ appeals committee today.
The decision to suspend Simataa was arrived at during an emergency FAZ executive committee meeting held at Lusaka’s Taj Pamodzi Hotel on Sunday.
According to the suspension letter dated March 8, 2010, and signed by FAZ general secretary George Kasengele, Simataa’s suspension is with immediate effect.
Simataa is among other things accused of constantly attacking the FAZ executive through the press contrary to article 7(10) of the FAZ Disciplinary Code.
According to article 7 (10) of the FAZ Disciplinary Code, registered officials and players are prohibited from attacking fellow club officials and members of the Football Association of Zambia through the media of press, radio or television.
“I have been directed to inform you that the Football Association of Zambia executive committee at its meeting held yesterday 7th March, 2010, has decided to suspend you as an official of the association for an indefinite period for gross misconduct and bringing the game into disrepute in accordance with article 4 (15) 55 (1) (2) and (3) and 57 (1) and (2) as read with article 7 (10) of the FAZ Disciplinary Code,” the letter reads in part.
Article 55 (1) of FAZ constitution states that members of the executive committee and members of clubs who wilfully or negligently violate the provisions of the constitution rules and regulations and the decision of the competent organs of FAZ in a non-sporting manner may be penalised with the provisions of this constitution, rules and regulations.
Article 4(15) states that the association can suspend, fine, terminate membership or otherwise deal with any member or individual affiliated to FAZ including associate members for infringing the constitution, rules, policies principles or resolutions of the council for engaging in acts of misconduct, improper practices, misdemeanours, acts of defiance or for bringing the association into disrepute.
Article 57(1) states that members under suspension shall forfeit their right to vote and to take part in the proceedings at the council meeting and shall not take part in any FAZ organised competitions.
Article 57(2) says members shall recognise one another’s suspension and expulsions from membership without questioning the reasons.
“This suspension is with immediate effect and affects your position at Amakumbi Football Club and the Zambia Football Coaches Association (ZAFCA) accordingly,” the letter reads.
Simataa is the proprietor of Division Two (Midlands) Amakumbi Stars.
He has petitioned the removal of FAZ president Kalusha Bwalya for allegedly abrogating the constitution.
Simataa was serving a last warning after allegedly committing a similar offence last year.
He said if the appeals committee fails to meet before the FAZ annual general meeting, he will take the matter to the council meeting.
“I have received the suspension letter and I am lodging my appeal before the FAZ appeals committee tomorrow (today). If the appeals committee fails to meet before the AGM, then I will take it to the council meeting, but let’s wait for the outcome,” Simataa said.
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