Lusaka (Zambia), Oct 15 (IANS): Zambia's football governing body has written to FIFA, asking the world football governing body to punish Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) club TP Mazembe, for allegedly failing to release three players who were called for national duty.

The row between the DRC club and football authorities in Zambia has deepened following the failure to release midfielders Nathan Sinkala and Rainford Kalaba and defender Stopilla Sunzu, who were called for Zambia's international friendly match against Brazil Tuesday in China, reports Xinhua.

The DRC team claimed two of the players had malaria while one was injured.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) vice-president Boniface Mwamelo said they have written to FIFA seeking appropriate sanctions against TP Mazembe.

"We have written to FIFA to apply appropriate sanctions since Mazembe didn't follow (FIFA) directive," he said.

The Zambian football governing body has also asked FIFA not to allow the DRC side to use the three players in the club's crucial CAF Confederation Cup semi-final, second leg against Stade Malien of Mali this weekend since the trio were said to be unwell.