World soccer governing body FIFA warned Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) side TP Mazembe of serious consequences if the club does not release three Zambian players 48 hours before the Zambia-Brazil friendly on Oct. 15, the Times of Zambia reported on Thursday.

The DRC side has shown reluctance in releasing midfielders Rainford Kalaba and Nathan Sinkala and defender Stopilla Sunzu on the pretext that they were down with suspected malaria.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), which wrote to FIFA seeking its intervention on the matter, said the world soccer governing body has confirmed receipt of the complaint and has since warned the DRC team to release the players.

FAZ spokesperson Erick Mwanza said it was regrettable for a club of Mazembe's status in African football to propagate falsehood especially that the players in question were well and willing to represent their country.

The local soccer governing body has been in constant touch with the players who have confirmed that there were not sick, he added.

"The Football Association of Zambia notes with regret claims by the DRC club TP Mazembe alleging that Chipolopolo players Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala and Stopilla Sunzu are down with malaria and digestive problems and can therefore not make the trip to China for next week's international match against Brazil," he was quoted as saying by the paper.

The spokespersons further alleged that some TP Mazembe officials were deliberately holding on to the players' passports and refusing to release them for national duty in accordance with FIFA rules and regulations.