FIFA reinvestigates Zambia coach for 'sexual harassment' ahead of final match at 2023 Women's World Cup

The Zambian women's team ended their historic journey at the 2023 Women's World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Costa Rica on July 31. Before that, they had lost 0-5 to Japan and Spain, but the victory over Costa Rica was a historic victory for the African representative before being eliminated in the group stage.

Zambia women's team excited after historic victory

Amidst the historic joy of Zambian football in general, the World Football Federation (FIFA) suddenly announced that it was investigating Zambia's head coach, Mr. Bruce Mwape. According to the report, two days before the victory over Costa Rica, coach Bruce Mwape had massaged the 'breasts' of a female player in the team.

In response, a FIFA representative said: "FIFA takes all allegations of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wishes to report an incident.

We can confirm that a complaint has been received regarding the Zambia women's national team and this is currently being investigated. We are unable to provide further details of the ongoing investigation for obvious confidentiality reasons."

Zambia women's coach Bruce Mwape

FIFA said anyone wishing to submit further reports or information relating to sexual abuse in football can do so via FIFA's closed reporting platform and the information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality to ensure the safety and protection of the person providing it.

In addition, witnesses who testify in cases involving FIFA ethics issues will be provided with protection.

Ahead of the World Cup, the Zambian coach was also the target of FIFA's investigation into this issue. Some anonymous players revealed to The Guardian: "If he (coach Bruce Mwape) wants to sleep with someone, you have to agree", "it's normal for coaches to sleep with players in our team".

In addition, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga also confirmed via text message in response to an interview with the AP news agency before the tournament that the allegations of sexual misconduct involving the coaches of the Zambian women's national team and the Zambian U17 women's national team were "an old story", having been referred to FIFA and the Zambian police since last year.

If the allegations are true, FIFA will impose the strongest sanctions, including lifetime expulsion from world football for those involved.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/the-thao/hlv-tuyen-zambia-bi-to-quay-roi-tinh-duc-tai-world-cup-nu-2023-2023080409562373.htm