In a surprising turn of events, Zambia’s football association has been drawn into controversy after allegations of misconduct by their women’s coach, Bruce Mwape, during the ongoing World Cup. FIFA has launched an investigation into the matter following claims that Mwape abused a squad member by allegedly rubbing her breasts after a training session. The football association expressed surprise at the claims and confirmed the receipt of the complaint, promising to conduct a thorough investigation. Despite police and FIFA involvement, the association denied prior knowledge of any recent complaint but assured that disciplinary action would be taken if official evidence is presented.
Zambia’s women’s football setup has been marred by allegations of improper conduct in the past. Last year, reports of misbehavior surfaced, leading to an investigation by the Football Association of Zambia. However, it remains unclear what the probe revealed or if any action was taken. Throughout the World Cup, Coach Mwape vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as “fake” and refusing to step down. Despite the serious nature of the accusations, New Zealand Police decided not to pursue further action after being made aware of an alleged incident during the tournament. FIFA, on the other hand, stressed its commitment to handling such allegations in the strictest confidence and asserted that strong sanctions, including lifetime bans, would be imposed if guilt is established.
Sexual assault scandals in women’s football have drawn significant attention in recent times, with several countries facing their own share of controversies. In response to the growing concerns, FIFA revised its Code of Ethics this year to strengthen disciplinary proceedings for sexual assault or harassment cases. The updated regulations removed the 10-year limitation period for prosecuting sexual offenses and mandated member associations and confederations to inform FIFA of any decisions made regarding sexual abuse. As the investigation into the Zambian women’s team unfolds, the football association and FIFA are under scrutiny to uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of players.
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