Zambia Women’s manager Bruce Mwape is currently being investigated by FIFA over fresh claims of sexual misconduct.
Futballnews understands that Bruce Mwape, who has been with the team since 2018, is being probed by FIFA since last month over other sexual misconduct allegations – which he has denied.
Recent reports have it that Bruce Mwape has been accused of rubbing his hands on the chest of one of his players two days before their last fixture.
The said report also have it that FIFA received an official complaints stating that several players were witnesses to Mwape acting inappropriately.
One source confirmed that “It’s not appropriate for a coach to be touching a player’s breasts.”
However, other witnesses had second thoughts with reporting the incident immediately but were fearful of the impact it could have on selection for their last game.
Bruce Mwape was reported to a FIFA delegate who has been with them following the end of their group stage campaign.
Speaking on Bruce Mwape’s issues, a FIFA spokesman said: “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.”
“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 body went ahead to add in regards to Bruce Mwape, saying: “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.”
“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.”
“Where guilt is established, FIFA takes the strongest possible sanctions, including removing people from the game for life. Our track record demonstrates this.”
The 63-year-old is facing a previous allegations for coercing players into having sex with him to keep their place in the team.
Bruce Mwape is not the only accused, other Zambian coaches and officials were also accused of sexual misconduct and are under investigation.
A female player, who refused to be named, said “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.”
Who Is Bruce Mwape?
Bruce Mwape is a Zambian football coach who is also the head coach of the Zambia women’s national football team.
He was named as head coach of the Zambia women’s national team in May 2018 succeeding Albert Kachinga who returned to club football.
Mwape led the team to the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations but the Copper Queens was not able to advance out from the group stage.
Bruce Mwape coached the team again in 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations but this time, they progressed to the third place – which is their best ever finish in the continental tournament.
Bruce Mwape also led them to 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after they progressed to the semifinals – their first ever qualification.
