World Cup: FIFA investigating Zambia coach on claims of inappropriate touching
Aug. 4 (UPI) -- FIFA is investigating the Zambia women's team after a report surfaced claiming that coach Bruce Mwape rubbed a player's chest at the 2023 World Cup, a soccer governing body spokesman told UPI on Friday.
"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," the spokesman said.
"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."
The Guardian published a report Thursday that a Zambian player accused the coach of the misconduct, which allegedly occurred two days before the team's first match at the World Cup.
FIFA said it received a complaint about the incident after Zambia beat Costa Rica 3-1 in it group stage finale for its first-ever World Cup victory.
A source told the Guardian that several players saw the coach allegedly rubbing his hands over the chest of one of her teammates after a training session.
The Football Association of Zambia said it was "surprised" by the complaint.
"We wish to state the Football Association of Zambia has not received any such complaint from any of the players or officials in the delegation that travelled to the World Cup," association general secretary Reuben Kamanga said in a statement.
"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."
The Zambians -- ranked No. 77 -- went 1-2-0, finished third place in Group C and were eliminated from the knockout stage.
"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," the FIFA spokesman said.
"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."
The spokesman said that "where guilt is established," it would take the "strongest possible sanctions, including removing people from the game for life."
"Our track record demonstrates this," FIFA said.
No. 11 Japan won Group C. No. 6 Spain finished second and also advanced to the Round of 16.
Spain will face No. 20 Switzerland in the first knockout stage game at 1 a.m. EDT Saturday in Auckland, New Zealand.
