Football association pays off ex-coach to avoid FIFA ban

The Football Association of Zambia have paid off their former coach Dario Bonetti to avoid FIFA sanctions.

Dario Bonetti was in charge of the Chipolopolo from July 2010 to October 201l before he was sacked despite already qualifying for the 2012 African Nations Cup.

The French man who was owed $432, 000 filed a complain to FIFA against the Football Association of Zambia and a hearing had been set for August.

Taking a lesson from undefined by FIFA for similar offence, Zambia have paid off the debts to their former coach.

Zambia's sports minister Vincent Mwale told parliament: "The Football Association of Zambia (Faz) decided to terminate Bonetti's contract without prior consultation with the Ministry of Youth and Sport.

"According to Faz, the coach was handpicked and was not screened for international experience and African experience.

"The Faz president had said that the players had complained about Bonetti's poor football knowledge and lack of respect for players.

"In order for the country not to suffer Fifa sanctions, which could entail the country not being able to participate in international tournaments, the ministry requested for intervention from the treasury for special funding to quickly settle the issue."

According to the , Vincent Mwale also revealed that the association is trying to settle salary arrears owed to another former coach,  Patrice Beaumelle, after he threatened to report the case to FIFA.