The coach of the Zambian national women’s team, Bruce Mwape, has been accused of inappropriately touching a player of the Copper Queens during the Women’s World Cup. FIFA has opened an investigation.
Bruce Mwape’s coaching career could be in jeopardy as he is under investigation by FIFA for alleged sexually inappropriate behavior towards his players during the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. FIFA announced the news through an official statement, stating that severe sanctions will be imposed if the allegations are proven true.
“We can confirm that a complaint has been received concerning the Zambian women’s national team, and it is currently under investigation,” said a FIFA spokesperson. “FIFA takes any accusation of inappropriate behavior very seriously and has established a clear procedure for anyone in football to make a report,” the statement continued.
According to several sources, including The Guardian, the Zambian coach allegedly touched a player’s breast before the match against Costa Rica. Witnesses of the incident decided to wait until the end of their campaign to file a complaint but expressed their concerns to a FIFA delegate who accompanied the team throughout their short stay at the World Cup.
Despite securing their first-ever historic victory in the competition against Costa Rica (3-1), Zambia was the only African team to exit the World Cup in the first round. The preparation of the Copper Queens for the tournament was marred by accusations of sexual abuse and protests against the team’s management, including unpaid bonuses dating back two years.
