Zambia coach accused of molesting players in training…FIFA investigation launched

FIFA has launched an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct at the Zambia women’s national soccer team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia-New Zealand 2023.

FIFA is investigating reports that emerged on Saturday (June 6) that Zambia head coach Bruce Mwape, 64, engaged in sexual misconduct with players during the tournament.

Earlier in the day, the British newspaper The Guardian reported that Mwape had sexually harassed a player by touching her breasts during a Zambian team training session.

According to the Guardian, several players witnessed Mwape touching a player’s chest during a training session on July 28, after the team’s second group game.

The witnesses initially wanted to report the incident to FIFA immediately, but decided to wait, fearing it would upset the team as the tournament was not over.

After Zambia failed to advance to the round of 16, finishing third in Group C with just one win and two losses, the witnesses informed FIFA that Coach Mwape had committed sexual misconduct.

This is not the first time Mwape has been accused of sexual misconduct.

There have been multiple allegations that Mwape and other members of the coaching staff have sexually abused players.

One player, who asked not to be named, told the Guardian: “If Mwape wanted to sleep with someone, I had no choice but to comply. It’s normal for the coach to sleep with players in our team.”

Just prior to the tournament, the Zambian Football Association conducted an investigation into “sexual misconduct in football 꽁머니사이트“.

While the ZFA did not name names, it is believed that Mwape may have been involved.

“FIFA takes all misconduct very seriously and has clear procedures in place for all football officials who wish to report incidents,” said a FIFA official. “We have received a report regarding the Zambia women’s national team and are investigating. For reasons of confidentiality, we are unable to provide further details.”