Zambia Women's boss faces further sexual misconduct allegations as he is 'accused of rubbing a playe

Zambia Women’s boss Bruce Mwape is reportedly being investigated by FIFA over fresh claims of sexual misconduct.

Mail Sport reported last month how Mwape, who has been in charge of the women’s side since 2018, is already being probed by FIFA over other sexual misconduct allegations – although the coach denies all of these.

The African nation were eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage after two heavy defeats by Japan and Spain, although they ended their campaign with a memorable 3-1 win over Costa Rica on Monday – their first ever victory at the tournament. 

However, according to The Guardian, Mwape has been accused of rubbing his hands over the chest of one of his players two days before that final match.

The report states FIFA confirmed it received an official complaint after several players witnessed Mwape acting inappropriately, as one source said: ‘It’s not appropriate for a coach to be touching a player’s breasts’.

FIFA are investigating Zambia boss Bruce Mwape over fresh allegations of sexual misconduct 

He is already under investigation by FIFA for allegedly coercing players to have sex with him

Those who saw the incident contemplated reporting it immediately but were fearful of the impact it could have on selection for their last game.

This meant that after their group stage campaign finished, the incident was then reported to a FIFA delegate who was with the squad throughout the tournament.

It is understood Andrew Kamanga, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president, has been informed of the allegations.

A FIFA spokesperson told The Guardian: ‘FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident. 

‘We can confirm that a complaint has been received in relation to the Zambian women’s national team and this is currently being investigated. We cannot provide further details regarding an ongoing investigation for obvious confidentiality reasons.’

The world governing body continued: ‘Anyone who wishes to report allegations or information related to abuse in football can do so via FIFA’s confidential reporting platform, with all information that is submitted to FIFA handled in the strictest of confidence. 

‘In addition, FIFA offers support and assistance to ensure the safety of those who report a safeguarding issue, including witnesses who come forward and give testimony in FIFA judicial cases. 

‘Where guilt is established, FIFA takes the strongest possible sanctions, including removing people from the game for life. Our track record demonstrates this.’

The previous allegations Mwape was facing surrounded the 63-year-old allegedly coercing players into having sex with him if they wanted to keep their place in the team.

The alleged incident took place two days before Zambia’s historic 3-1 win over Costa Rica 

Other Zambian coaches and officials were also accused of sexual misconduct and investigated, including the Under 17 girls’ team coach.

One female player, who did not want to be named, told The Guardian: ‘If he [Mwape] wants to sleep with someone, you have to say yes.

‘It’s normal that the coach sleeps with the players in our team.’

The same allegations then reared their head again during the World Cup when journalists were stopped from asking questions about the aforementioned investigation.

A Spanish reporter attempted to question Mwape on the topic, but having indicated he would not answer, a FIFA official told reporters to ‘restrict questions to the football and tournament only’. 

When asked if he would resign, Mwape replied: ‘What environment, affecting the team, in particular? What are you talking about?

‘I would like to know, because there is no way I can retire [resign] without reason. Maybe your reason is because of what you are reading from the media, or from the press, but the truth of the matter should actually come out, not just rumours.’

After referring the case to FIFA earlier this year, FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala said: ‘Although we have no record of official complaints from anyone on the allegations, we consider these allegations very serious and have opened an inquiry into the matter. 

The 63-year-old coach allegedly rubbed his hands over the chest of one of his own players 

‘We shall collaborate with the Zambia Police Service and other relevant stakeholders in dealing with this matter.’ 

Also speaking earlier this year, a FIFA spokesman said it was unable to comment on the investigation at this time. 

‘Please note that as a general policy, the independent ethics committee does not comment on whether or not investigations are under way into alleged cases. 

‘As usual, any information the ethics committee may like to share will be communicated at their discretion.’ 

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