Source: Twitter
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has expressed surprise and dismay over the allegations of sexual misconduct involving its women’s national team coach, Bruce Mwape. The allegations surfaced in a report by The Guardian, which claimed that Mwape had sexually harassed and abused some of his players and that he was under investigation by FIFA.
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According to the report, Mwape had allegedly rubbed his hands over the chest of one of his players after a training session ahead of Zambia’s final group game against Costa Rica at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in New Zealand. The report also cited a former player who said Mwape had coerced her into having sex with him in exchange for a place on the team.
However, FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga said, in a statement, that the association had not received any complaints from any players or officials in the delegation that travelled to the World Cup. Kamanga said, “We wish to state that the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has not received any such complaint from any of the players or officials in the delegation that travelled to the World Cup.”
He continued, “It has therefore come as a surprise for us to hear of such alleged misconduct by the coach as reported in the said online publication. As a matter of fact, all the training sessions for the Copper Queens were filmed by the FAZ media team and offer no such footage as envisioned by The Guardian. Additionally, a FIFA film crew attached to the Zambian team at the World Cup was present at all training sessions.”
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He also said that despite not being aware of such claims, they won’t hesitate to take action when presented with an official complaint. FIFA confirmed receiving a complaint in relation to the Zambian women’s national team and that it was currently investigating it. FIFA said it takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a process for anyone in football who wants to report an incident.
Mwape, who had been the head coach of Zambia since 2019, led the team to its first-ever appearance at the Women’s World Cup. Zambia had already been eliminated after 5-0 defeats by Spain and Japan but finished third in the group after the 3-1 victory over Costa Rica. It is understood the allegation against Mwape was reported to a FIFA delegate who has been with the squad throughout their stay in New Zealand.
