According to a press statement issued by FAZ Acting Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe, Häuptle has proposed amendments to her current contract, leading to prolonged negotiations that have ruled her out of the Brazil assignment.
“We regret to announce that Häuptle will not lead the Copper Queens in Brazil as a result of ongoing re-negotiation for amendments to her current contract,” Lengwe said.
He added that Häuptle is expected to travel to Lusaka in the coming days to resolve the outstanding issues.
“We had made all the necessary travel logistics for coach Nora to be in Brazil but unfortunately she could not make it owing to her desire to secure amendments to her contract,” he explained.
Lengwe further stated that assistant coach Charles Haalubono will take charge of the team during the Brazil assignment and will receive full support from FAZ.
Meanwhile, FAZ has wished the Copper Queens success as they begin their FIFA Series matches.
“We urge the public to support the Copper Queens in their FIFA Series engagement which we are using as a platform for preparing for the WAFCON,” he said.
Lengwe also noted that some players experienced delays in travel due to visa challenges, but all those selected for the tournament have since departed for Brazil. He added that earlier plans had been affected by injuries, prompting the association to arrange visas for replacement players.
Zambia is scheduled to face Canada on Saturday, before taking on Brazil on Tuesday. Their final match of the tournament will be against South Korea on April 18.
The statement was issued by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) from Football House in Lusaka on April 10, 2026.
FAZ and the coach aren’t telling us the complete story. I think FAZ want to fire her. She must have invited this by having second thoughts on her contract after having already signed it. Haalubono it’s your chance to show you are world class so bring this now you see me now you don’t game in FAZ to an end