Nora demands action as Beijing ‘withholds’ Mukoma from WAFCON

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has escalated a significant dispute to the highest echelons of global and continental football, lodging official complaints with both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). At the heart of this controversy is the alleged refusal by Chinese Women's Super League side Beijing to release their star Zambian striker, Fridah Mukoma, for the highly anticipated Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament. This development casts a shadow over the Copper Queens' preparations, as Mukoma is considered a vital component of the national squad, known for her prolific scoring ability and dynamic play. Fridah Mukoma, a rising star in Zambian football, has been making waves internationally, currently playing for Beijing Jingtan FC on loan from the Kansas City Current of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Her impressive performances in China, where she has consistently been among the top scorers, have cemented her reputation as a key player. The Copper Queens, Zambia's national women's team, have qualified for the 2026 WAFCON and are aiming for a strong showing, building on their recent successes and growing international profile. The absence of a player of Mukoma's calibre could significantly hinder their aspirations, especially given the competitive nature of the tournament. FIFA regulations explicitly mandate clubs to release players for national team duties during official international windows and for major final competitions like WAFCON. These rules are designed to ensure that national teams can field their strongest possible squads, recognizing the importance of international football. Any agreement between a player and a club that contradicts this obligation is strictly prohibited. Clubs are typically required to release players no later than Monday morning of the week in which the match is played, or 14 days before the start of a final competition. The onus is now on FIFA and CAF to intervene and ensure th