FIFA has launched an investigation into an official complaint filed against Zambia's head coach, Bruce Mwape, alleging sexual assault on a player during the Women's World Cup. The incident is said to have occurred during a training session in New Zealand on July 29, where Mwape is accused of inappropriately touching one of his players' chest.
A spokesperson from FIFA confirmed the receipt of the complaint, stating that they take any allegation of misconduct very seriously and have a well-defined process to address such incidents within football.
However, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) responded, saying they have not received any such complaint and expressed surprise at the allegations.
The alleged incident took place two days before Zambia's final group match against Costa Rica, in which they secured their first World Cup victory with a 3-1 win. The Zambian team, however, has returned home after finishing third in Group C, which resulted in their elimination from the competition.
Even last year, sexual abuse allegations against Mwape surfaced on social media, prompting the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to conduct an investigation. Although no official complaint was filed at that time, the FAZ recognized the gravity of the situation.
During the World Cup, Mwape faced persistent inquiries about the previous allegations. He vehemently denied any wrongdoing, firmly asserting that the accusations were baseless and false.
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