FIFA World Cup 2023: Zambia’s coach hit with more allegations of sexual misconduct

The World Cup has been rocked by allegations of sexual misconduct against a coach accused of rubbing his player’s breasts.

Bruce Mwape, Head Coach of Zambia

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Zambia’s FIFA World Cup campaign has been rocked by fresh allegations of sexual misconduct against their coach who is now accused of inappropriately rubbing his player’s breasts.

According to reports, Bruce Mwape, who is already facing an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse that pre-date the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, rubbed his hands all over the chests of players before their final group game against Costa Rica.

FIFA has confirmed it received an official complaint pertaining to the Zambian team.

A source told the Guardian: “It’s not appropriate for a coach to be touching a player’s breasts.

It is also alleged that witnesses to the incident waited until Zambia’s campaign was over amid fears they would be overlooked for selection.

While Zambia won their final match against Costa Rica 3-1 with Barbra Banda scoring the 1000th goal in FIFA Women’s World Cup history, they failed to make it out of the group stages of the tournament.

A statement from FIFA said: “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.

Bruce Mwape, Head Coach of Zambia

“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.”

Before the World Cup got underway, reports emerged of past allegations made against Mwape who has been accused of sexual abuse and coercing players into sleeping with him if they wanted to remain in the squad.

The 63-year-old is among a group of individuals to be referred to FIFA by the Football Association of Zambia.

Speaking to The Guardian [UK], an anonymous female player confirmed the extent of the abuse: “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.”

It is understood that as well as Mwape, the U17 national coach Kaluba Kangwam is also being investigated.

FAZ released a statement over social media last September, when allegations were bought to light over Twitter and Instagram:

“FAZ has taken note of social media allegations of sexual abuse in women football in Zambia.

“FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala says although there has been no record of an official complaint brought forward, FAZ had opened an inquiry into the matter.

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

“We have since written to the Zambia Police to invite any one with evidence to help with investigations. The nation shall be notified of the outcome of the inquiries once concluded, until then, we shall provide no further comment on this matter.”

Originally published as FIFA World Cup 2023: Zambia’s coach hit with more allegations of sexual misconduct