Zambia FA has taken a hardline stance against TP Mazembe over the DR Congo side's claim that it will not release players for next month's international friendly date as Black Stars must also ponder their action.
The Football Association of Zambia FAZ says it is up to coach Herve Renard to decide which players to invite for the August international friendly between Zambia and Senegal and not TP Mazembe.
There are several Ghanaian players at Mazembe who could be invited for the yet-to-confirmed friendly for the Black Stars also next month.
Zambia's warning came wake of the Congolese club’s statement last week that it would not be able to release the Zambian players for the friendly match to be played in France due to the club’s involvement in the CAF Cup.
Zambian FA spokesman Mwanza said the match will be played on a FIFA recognized date and the clubs are obliged to release the players.
“They (TP Mazembe) cannot tell us which players to use. If Renard feels that the schedule will be hectic for the players, he will excuse them,†he said.
Last Saturday, TP announced that they will not release Zambia internationals Hichani Himoonde, Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala and Stopilla Sunzu because the DRC champions play Tunisian side Athletics Club Bizertin in the Confederations Cup group stage on August 16 – two days after the Senegal friendly.
The FAZ media officer was optimistic that the issue would be resolved amicably as the two French born coaches are friends.
“Renard and Carteron are good friends and they will strike a compromise,†Mwanza said.
Ghana could take a soft stance on the matter as the Ghanaian federation has good relationship with TP Mazmembe.
With Richard Kissi Boateng suspended for Ghana's match against Zambia in September, there is no point in coach Kwesi Appiah calling him for a friendly ahead of the match.
That leave just Solomon Asante who could also be excused if Ghana lands a friendly next month after Iran pulled out.