FIFPRO, Copper Queens agree to $100,000 image right deal (See beneficiaries)

FIFPRO and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Copper Queens players have signed a four-year image rights collective agreement worth US$100,000 (K2.7 million).

The deal means that FIFPRO, a global union for professional footballers working with local affiliate, the Footballers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (FAWUZ) would grant the players’ body the right to use the image rights for the permitted purpose until the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.

Every year, FIFPRO would disburse the US$25,000 to FAWUZ for distribution to 25 players who included Copper Queens vice-captain Grace Chanda and goalkeeper Hazel Nali.

Speaking at the cheque presentation of the first of the four $25,000 to be distributed annually on Wednesday in Lusaka, FAZ General Secretary thanked FIFPRO and FAWUZ for the landmark pay-out which was the first-ever pay-out for a national team in Zambia.

“This ceremony underlines the deep interest and commitment of FAWUZ to the players in which the union will enter into a collective licensing agreement with FIFPRO,” Kamanga said.

He stated that the deal shall permit the professional footballers union to enter commercial contracts for the benefit of all parties involved.

“Just last week, all 25 Copper Queens players that featured at the last World Cup received $1,000 each in the first of four payments until the next World Cup,” Kamanga said

Kamanga noted that the yearly amounts that total $100,000 over four years and $25,000 annually would continue to make an invaluable difference in the lives of the players whose lively earnings come from football.

FAWUZ president Sandras Kumwenda described the signing agreement as historic.

“We describe it as historic because for the first time our Women’s national team will receive a total of US$100,000 over the next 4 years through the efforts of FAWUZ and our mother body FIFPRO, the World Players Union,” Kumwenda said.

Kumwenda said FAWUZ would continue with its mandate of giving a voice to players welfare and working conditions.

“We are also happy that our first beneficiaries are the women’s team. This is a unique opportunity as a union to acknowledge the efforts of FAZ and the Ministry of Sport in the development of women’s football,” Kumwenda added.

Copper Queens vice-captain Grace Chanda thanked FIFPRO and FAWUZ for delivering the package.

“On behalf of the players, I would like to thank FIFPRO and FAWUZ for ensuring that what we signed has been delivered. This is due to their good works and we encourage them to continue so that more of such programmes are promoted,” Chanda said.

FULL LIST OF BENEFICIARIES

GOALKEEPERS

Catherine Musonda, Eunice Sakala, Hazel Nali

DEFENDERS

Margaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba, Agness Musesa, Esther Banda, Judith Soko, Mary Mulenga, Vast Phiri, Esther Siamfuko

MIDFIELDERS

Ireen Lungu, Hellen Chanda, Evarine Susan Katongo, Mary Wilombe, Susan Banda, Comfort Selemani, Avell Chitundu

STRIKERS

Xiomara Mapepa, Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Hellen Mubanga, Grace Chanda, Barbra Banda

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