Bruce Mwape has been leading Zambia’s team since 2018.
Fifa has begun an inquiry into a formal accusation that Bruce Mwape, the head coach for Zambia, committed sexual misconduct towards a player at the Women’s World Cup.
The coach is alleged to have inappropriately touched a player’s chest during a training session in New Zealand on July 29.
A spokesperson for Fifa confirmed that they had received a complaint.
However, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has contradicted this, stating that they were unaware of any such complaint, expressing surprise at the allegation.
The supposed incident is claimed to have occurred during a training session just two days prior to their final group match against Costa Rica – a match which Zambia won with a 3-1 score, marking their first-ever World Cup victory.
Fifa’s spokesperson went on to emphasize the seriousness with which they take allegations of misconduct, assuring that they have a well-defined process for reporting any incident in the football community.
Despite their first victory, Zambia’s team, known as the Copper Queens, were eliminated from the tournament, having secured the third position in Group C.
FAZ mentioned that all of the Copper Queens’ training sessions were recorded by their media team, and no such incident is visible in the footage. They also mentioned the presence of a Fifa film crew attached to the Zambian team at the World Cup, which was present at all training sessions.
However, FAZ assured the public of their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency, vowing to take disciplinary action against any proven misconduct.
Regarding the alleged incident, a spokesperson for the New Zealand police stated: “We were made aware of an alleged incident and after making initial inquiries, no further action was required to be taken.”
Bruce Mwape, who assumed his position in 2018, was previously accused of sexual abuse via social media last year. Although no official complaint was lodged at that time, the FAZ had launched an investigation, acknowledging the severity of the allegations. Mwape, however, denied any misconduct, calling the allegations “fabricated” when questioned about them at the World Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bruce Mwape Investigation
Who is being investigated for alleged sexual misconduct?
Zambia’s head coach, Bruce Mwape, is currently under investigation by Fifa for alleged sexual misconduct towards a player at the Women’s World Cup.
What is the alleged incident involving Bruce Mwape?
The incident involves allegations that Bruce Mwape inappropriately touched a player’s chest during a training session in New Zealand on July 29.
What has the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said about the allegations?
The FAZ has expressed surprise at the allegations, stating they have not received any such complaint. They also mentioned that all training sessions were filmed and no such incident is visible in the footage.
What is Fifa’s stance on such allegations?
Fifa takes allegations of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for reporting any incident in the football community.
What has the New Zealand police said about the incident?
The New Zealand police have stated that they were made aware of the alleged incident and, after initial inquiries, no further action was required to be taken.
Were there any previous allegations against Bruce Mwape?
Yes, Bruce Mwape was previously accused of sexual abuse via social media last year. However, he denied any misconduct and labelled the allegations as “fabricated”.
More about Bruce Mwape Investigation
- Fifa’s Code of Conduct
- Zambia’s Football Association (FAZ)
- Fifa’s procedure for reporting misconduct
- Bruce Mwape’s coaching history
- Women’s World Cup 2023
7 comments
if this has happened, I say, lock him up and throw away the key! No room for this kind of conduct, full stop.
Always some drama in the football world, eh. Can’t we just focus on the game for once? Just my 2 cents…
Such a shame for the zambian team… they finally win at the WC and now this! hope the truth comes out soon.
This is outrageous! How can something like this happen at the highest level of sport.
innocent until proven guilty, right?? But if it’s true, Mwape should be immediately removed from his position… can’t have that kind of behavior in the game.
Did any1 else notice this happened last year too? If it’s true, then he’s got a pattern. not good, not good at all.
Isn’t it weird that FAZ didn’t know about the complaint? Communication seems really bad here…