COPPER Queens coach Nora Häuptle will not be part of the FIFA Series tournament in Brazil due to administrative issues.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Acting Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe said Häuptle has proposed amendments to her current contract, leading to prolonged negotiations that have ruled her out of the Brazil assignment.
“We regret to announce that Häuptle will not lead the Copper Queens in Brazil as a result of ongoing renegotiations for amendments to her current contract,” he said.
“Coach Nora will be travelling to Lusaka in the next few days to ensure that all outstanding issues are resolved in a professional manner. We had made all the necessary travel logistics for Coach Nora to be in Brazil, but unfortunately, she could not make it owing to her desire to secure amendments to her contract,” Lengwe said.
He said assistant coach Charles Haalubono will take charge of the Brazil assignment and will receive full support.
Meanwhile, Lengwe has wished the Copper Queens the best as they commence their FIFA Series assignment on Saturday.
“We urge the public to support the Copper Queens in their FIFA Series engagement, which we are using as a platform for preparing for WAFCON,” he said.
Lengwe also acknowledged that some players delayed travelling due to visa hitches, but all those summoned for the tournament have since departed for Brazil.
He said the original plans were hampered by injuries, and FAZ had made provisions for visa arrangements for replacements.
Zambia plays Canada on Saturday before facing Brazil on Tuesday.
The final match will be against South Korea on April 18.
This is according to a statement issued by FAZ Head of Media and Communications Nkweto Tembwe.