Manager accused of touching players inappropriately at Women's WC as FIFA investigate

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 started on July 20, 2023, and has now entered the knockout stages of the tournament. The prestigious tournament was founded in 1991 to give women equal opportunity and showcase their talent and love for the beautiful sport. However, the 2023 edition of the World Cup has recorded some disturbing news that points to the safety of women on the world stage.

3 things you need to know 

• Zambia finished 3rd in the group stage of the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
• Zambia lost 2 of its 3 games in Group C
• Zambia's coach is under investigation

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Bruce Mwape faces allegations of sexual assault during the FIFA Women's World Cup

FIFA is presently looking into the manager of Zambia, Bruce Mwape after a player accused him of acting inappropriately towards her at the Women's World Cup. A 3-1 victory over Costa Rica on July 31st gave Zambia its first-ever World Cup victory, prompting the filing of the complaint.

The alleged assault reportedly took place on July 28th following a training session, according to reporting from The Guardian. Several players reportedly saw Mwape stroking or rubbing his hands on the chest of one of their teammates, according to a trustworthy source close to the team.

Those who witnessed the incident thought about reporting it right away but decided to wait until after their campaign was over out of fear that they might not be chosen again. After suffering back-to-back 5-0 losses to Japan and Spain, Zambia was already out of the competition. FIFA is currently looking into the situation to find out whether the charges are true.

 Mwape was already facing allegations before the FIFA Women’s World Cup 
 

(Bruce Mwape during FIFA World Cup 2023, Image: AP)

Bruce Mwape was already the target of sexual assault accusations before the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand even started. He angrily disputed the claims.  In an interview with The Guardian last month, a player stated that the coach should have the authority to approve romantic ties. 

"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."

Mwape was questioned over these earlier accusations prior to Zambia's second group game. A FIFA official, however, stepped in and asked that the conversation stay only about the game of football and the competition. A FIFA representative emphasised the organization's commitment to treating any claim of misconduct seriously in the wake of the most recent complaint. They acknowledged receiving a complaint about the Zambian women's national team and stated that an inquiry was ongoing with restricted disclosure to protect confidentiality.

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Through its private reporting tool, FIFA encourages footballers to report any incidences of abuse or misconduct. They guarantee complete confidentiality and provide support and help to protect the safety of those who come forward. If culpability is proven, FIFA imposes harsh penalties, such as lifetime bans from the sport.