‘Sexual misconduct’ claim rocks World Cup, investigation begins

An urgent investigation has been launched into claims one player was the victim of an act of sexual touching at the World Cup.

The Zambian team lined up to face Costa Rica. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

FIFA has launched an urgent investigation into a Women’s World Cup coach over claims he rubbed a player’s breasts.

Bruce Mwape, the coach of Zambia, has been accused of rubbing his hands over the chest of one of his players just two days before the team won their first match, The Sun reports.

The squad took to the field against Costa Rica in New Zealand on Monday, coming out on top 3-1 and placing third in their group.

An insider has now claimed several players saw Mwape rub his hands over the chest of a teammate on the Friday.

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

Barbra Banda of Zambia celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's second goal. Picture: Phil Walter/Getty Images

The Zambian team lined up to face Costa Rica. Picture: Saeed Khan / AFP

Fifa today confirmed it was investigating an “allegation of misconduct” involving the Zambian team.

The football governing body 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. Picture: Buda Mendes/ Getty Images

“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.”

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and Mwape, who has been leading the team since 2018, did not respond to the Guardian’s requests for comment.

This story originally appeared on thesun.co.uk and has been republished with permission