The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced the suspension of FIFA referee Joseph Kalunga for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season. This decision follows his performance in the Week 26 MTN Super League match between Atletico Lusaka and FC Muza, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Atletico Lusaka at Nkoloma Stadium. The match, however, was overshadowed by contentious officiating decisions that sparked widespread controversy.
FAZ General Secretary, Reuben Kamanga, confirmed the suspension, attributing it to a thorough review by the Technical and Match Review Committee of the Referees Department. This committee, composed of highly respected FIFA and CAF instructors and assessors, scrutinized video footage of the match and concluded that Kalunga’s officiating was below acceptable standards.
Kamanga explained that a specific incident—a penalty awarded to Muza FC during the game—was a key point of concern. “A video clip in which Mr. Kalunga awarded a penalty to MUZA FC during their match against Atletico Lusaka on Saturday, March 1, 2025, was forwarded to the Technical and Match Review Committee of the Referees Department,” Kamanga stated. “The committee determined that Kalunga was incorrect in awarding the penalty, among other contested decisions that ultimately led to crowd disturbances.”
This suspension is a reflection of FAZ’s commitment to maintaining high officiating standards, particularly as the MTN Super League enters its crucial phase. Kamanga highlighted the association’s zero-tolerance policy towards subpar officiating. “At this stage of the league, we will only assign referees who demonstrate a commitment to upholding fair play and high officiating standards. We cannot allow repeated poor officiating to tarnish the integrity of our beautiful game,” he asserted.
Kalunga’s suspension marks the second high-profile referee to be sanctioned this season. Earlier, Shem Nyondo faced suspension following his performance in the Week 17 fixture between Kabwe Warriors and Nkana Football Club on December 18, 2024, at the Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe.
FAZ continues to enforce rigorous measures to ensure fairness and professionalism in Zambian football officiating, striving to protect the integrity of the league and uphold the principles of the sport.