Highly respected former FIFA referee Gladys Lengwe has resigned from her position as chairperson of the Referees Committee at the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), citing what she described as unprecedented levels of corruption within the refereeing system.
Lengwe’s resignation has sent shockwaves through the Zambian football fraternity, raising serious questions about governance and integrity in the management of referees across the domestic game.
Lengwe Raises Alarm Over Corruption
In a letter addressed to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, Lengwe expressed deep frustration over the challenges her committee faced in attempting to address corruption within refereeing structures.
The veteran official stated that her efforts to halt the continuous appointment of referees accused of corrupt practices were repeatedly ignored. According to Lengwe, attempts by the Referees Committee to enforce accountability were frustrated by individuals with greater administrative influence.
Her resignation highlights what she believes is a deeply rooted problem that threatens the credibility of football officiating in the country.
“I Have Never Seen This Level of Corruption”
Lengwe reflected on her long career in refereeing, emphasizing that the current situation represents the worst environment she has experienced in more than two decades in the game.
“I have been refereeing for over 25 years. I have seen how refereeing has evolved over the years, and I was nurtured in an environment of integrity,” she wrote.
She also paid tribute to the late Katongo Kabungo, who previously served as referees manager, stating that the standards of integrity during that era were significantly stronger than what she has recently witnessed.
“I never saw this level of corruption in refereeing. It may have been there but not to this extent,” Lengwe added.
Committee Reduced to a “Shell”
In her letter, Lengwe further revealed that the Referees Committee had effectively been sidelined in key decision-making processes.
She claimed the committee had been reduced to a “shell,” with most authority resting with FAZ Referees Manager Stanley Hachiwa.
Lengwe alleged that despite raising concerns about certain referees being repeatedly appointed to officiate matches despite corruption allegations, her directives were ignored.
“I questioned the perpetual appointments of the corrupt referee. He has decided to ignore my directives and decided to appoint the same referees. His behaviour has spoken a lot,” she wrote.
Growing Concerns Over Officiating Integrity
Lengwe’s resignation adds to growing concerns surrounding the integrity of match officiating in the MTN Super League and other domestic competitions.
Refereeing standards have often been a subject of debate among clubs, players, and supporters, particularly following controversial decisions in high-stakes fixtures.
Her allegations may now prompt calls for stronger oversight and reforms within FAZ’s refereeing structures to restore confidence in the system.
Conclusion
Gladys Lengwe’s resignation represents a significant development in Zambian football administration, especially given her reputation and extensive experience within the refereeing fraternity.
Her concerns about corruption and governance within the refereeing system are likely to spark intense discussions within the football community. As the situation unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the Football Association of Zambia responds to the allegations and whether meaningful reforms will follow.
