Zambia’s head coach, Bruce Mwape, is presently under scrutiny for alleged inappropriate conduct towards a Fifa contractor during the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand last year. Prior to this, a player had also come forward with similar claims against him, as reported by the Guardian.
The 64-year-old coach is accused of touching a player’s chest after a training session before their match against Costa Rica in Hamilton. These allegations are part of a larger investigation into claims of sexual misconduct by a number of players in the squad, which had been reported to Fifa by the Zambian Football Association.
In the latest development, it has come to light that a Fifa contractor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has accused Mwape of touching her breast while the team was staying in an Auckland hotel before their match against Spain. The contractor stated, “I remember him putting his hand on my shoulder to say ‘Good morning’, but then he went again and wiped his hand straight down the front, obviously touching my boob.”
The contractor reported the incident to Fifa via its safeguarding officer and was advised to also report it to the New Zealand police. However, she decided against it in an effort not to disrupt Zambia’s preparations for the tournament. The contractor also raised concerns about the conditions the squad had to endure, highlighting their financial struggles during their time in New Zealand.
Furthermore, the future participation of Zambia in the Paris Olympics is at risk, with allegations of money-laundering offences against the FAZ president, Andrew Kamanga, prompting Fifa to threaten FAZ with suspension. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has expressed interest in the outcome of this case and its potential impact on the Olympic Games.
As the investigation into these serious allegations continues, both Mwape and the Zambian Football Association have chosen not to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, Fifa has reiterated its commitment to investigating the complaints thoroughly and has requested more information from FAZ’s senior members.
This situation casts a shadow over Zambia’s upcoming participation in the Olympic Games and underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and fair play in football at all levels. The outcome of these investigations is eagerly anticipated, as they will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of Zambia’s footballing endeavors.