Zambia Women's boss investigated over 'sexual misconduct with multiple players'

Zambia will play in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023

According to one of Zambia's Women's World Cup stars, coach Bruce Mwape, 63, forced players to have intercourse with him in order to remain on the team.

According to a story in The Guardian publication, the general manager of the Zambia team, which is getting ready to compete in the FIFA Women's World Cup, has been suspected of sexual assault. The case was reported to the international governing body FIFA last year for an inquiry.

According to the article, the coach of the Under-17 girls' squad was one of several Zambian coaches and administrators who were subject to an investigation after being accused of sexual assault.

A female player who wished to remain anonymous informed The Guardian:

''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.''

Andrew Kamanga, the president of the Zambian Football Association, acknowledged on Sunday that claims of sexual misbehaviour were reported to FIFA and the Zambian police last year and described them as "an old story."

None of the individuals facing accusations of wrongdoing were mentioned by Kamanga.

FIFA stated that, in accordance with practise, its own distinct ethics panel would not comment on whether or not an inquiry was ongoing.

The Zambian FA started its own probe last year but at the time did not identify any of the officials, coaches, or players involved. The Zambian organisation stated that it was taking the accusations seriously when it made its public statement in September.

According to an unnamed source cited by The Guardian, the Zambian association was 'turning a blind eye' to the charges as a result of the most recent achievements of its women's squad under Mwape.