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Super League Blackout Deepens as TopStar, ZPL Trade Blame Over Broadcast Feed

The MTN Super League has remained off air since November 2025, frustrating supporters and unsettling sponsors despite a five-year, US$1 million-per-season broadcast agreement between the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) and TopStar Communications.

Over the weekend, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding a resolution to the blackout. He warned of possible legal action and indicated that alternative broadcasters such as SuperSport and Azam TV could be considered if the impasse persists.

On Monday, TopStar responded publicly, shifting responsibility to ZPL. The company’s public relations manager, Joy Chula, stated that the broadcaster is prepared to air matches but has not received the required live production feed.

“TopStar can only distribute feed which is shared by the production houses. We have not received any feed since November 2025,” Chula said.

She added that TopStar has the infrastructure in place to resume broadcasts immediately once ZPL meets its contractual obligations. “We have the pipes ready, but ZPL has failed to provide the water,” she said.

Earlier, Mweemba described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that contractual obligations must be honoured and warning that failure to comply would attract repercussions.

The dispute centres on the division of responsibilities under the broadcast arrangement. While TopStar is responsible for distribution, ZPL holds the production rights and is required to subcontract companies to film matches and provide the live feed. Without that feed, TopStar maintains it cannot transmit games.

TopStar said it agrees with FAZ that contractual obligations should be respected but argued that threats of legal action are misplaced if ZPL has not delivered the production feed.

Meanwhile, discussions between TopStar and ZPL are ongoing. The broadcaster has indicated that an announcement will be made soon regarding the possible resumption of Super League broadcasts.

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