By Kennedy Gondwe BBC Sport, Lusaka

Fifa says the Independence Stadium is unsafe

Zambia face playing their 2010 World Cup home qualifiers outside the country if the Independence Stadium is not ready in the next five months.

The game's governing body Fifa has declared the Independence Stadium unfit to host the World Cup qualifying games.

Football Association of Zambia (Faz) president Teddy Mulonga has accepted the situation and is hoping that government will address the problem.

"We are facing prospects of playing home matches away from home if the Independence Stadium in not ready by February," Mulonga said on national television.

Mulonga's announcement comes a week after a parliamentary committee recommended demolishing the entire stadium.

But the sports ministry responded by saying that no demolition will take place.

Cosafa also crack down on Zambia

Fifa carried out an inspection of the Independence Stadium last December and asked Faz to find alternative venues for the World Cup qualifiers.

Twelve fans died outside the Konkola Stadium in June

Mulonga added that Faz has been advised that should Zambia reach the final of the Cosafa Cup, they would not be allowed to host the game.

"Cosafa has written to us saying if we are drawn to host this year's final, they will take away the match from us," he said.

Mulonga said the only option is the Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe, but the structure would also require a major facelift.