FOOTBALL Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya has denied beating up top Zambian journalist Augustine Mukoka, saying he only pushed him after an altercation.

FOOTBALL Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya has denied beating up top Zambian journalist Augustine Mukoka, saying he only pushed him after an altercation.

"I told him that I don't like it when people write lies about me. I told him they must write about the players, like Collins Mbesuma and not officials. I apologise," said Bwalya.

Bwalya must thank two former journalists, Local Organising Committee chief communications officer Rich Mkhondo and Fifa media officer Emmanuel Maradas, that he did not spend the weekend in a police cell in Cape Town for the incident.

Said Mukoka: "It is true that he slapped me after he accused me of writing lies about him. I will never write something that did not happen. I wanted to press charges against him but was convinced not toby some of the guys. It was embarrassing, especially a day after South Africa made Africa proud with a spectacular final draw."