Zambia have parted company with manager Avram Grant after the national team failed to qualify for next year’s expanded World Cup finals.
The Football Association of Zambia confirmed the departure on Wednesday, announcing a mutual separation with the 70-year-old Israeli coach who had been in charge since December 2022.
“The FAZ has agreed to mutually separate with Zambia Senior Men’s National Team coach Avram Grant,” general secretary Machacha Shepande said in a statement.
“FAZ wishes Mr Grant the best of luck in his future endeavours. The rest of the details will be communicated in due course. For now we can only thank Mr Grant for his contribution to the Zambian game.”
Zambia finished fourth in Group E during qualifying, 15 points adrift of winners Morocco, missing their chance to reach the World Cup finals for the first time in their history. The Chipolopolo came closest to qualification in 1994 when they boasted one of Africa’s strongest sides.
Grant’s departure marks the end of his 14th managerial appointment in a 53-year coaching career.
During his three-year tenure, Grant guided Zambia to two Africa Cup of Nations finals but could not deliver the World Cup breakthrough the nation craved.
The experienced tactician spent a season at Chelsea during the 2007-08 campaign, leading them to the Champions League final where they lost on penalties to Manchester United in Moscow. He later managed Portsmouth and West Ham during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons respectively, suffering relegation with both Premier League clubs before seeking opportunities abroad.
Grant also previously managed Ghana between 2014 and 2017.
Next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will feature 48 teams – 16 more than the previous tournament in Qatar – but Zambia will not be amongst them.
