FIFA investigates misconduct complaint involving Zambia
FIFA confirmed it is investigating a complaint of alleged misconduct related to the Zambia team which played at the Women's World Cup.
On Thursday, British newspaper The Guardian published an allegation that Zambia players had seen coach Bruce Mwape touch a player inappropriately during a training session.
“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,” soccer's world governing body said in an e-mailed statement on Friday.
“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 ob- vious confidentiality reasons.”
Zambia exited the tournament — its first appearance at the Women's World Cup — after the group stage following losses to Spain and Japan and a win over Costa Rica.
The Football Association of Zambia said it had not received a complaint but would act if it received a complaint or evidence of wrongdoing.
“We wish to state the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has not received any such complaint from any of the players or officials in the delegation that travelled to the World Cup. It has therefore come as a surprise for us to hear of such alleged misconduct by the coach as reported in the said online publication,” FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga said in a statement on the FAZ's social media.
Kamanga added that the FAZ “would not hesitate to take disciplinary measures and act on any misconduct once we are in receipt of an official complaint or when presented with evidence pertaining to an alleged incident.”
Before the tournament, there was previously an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse in Zambian women's soccer by coaches and officials. At the time, the Zambia FA and police confirmed an investigation into allegations but declined to name anyone implicated. Those allegations were also referred to FIFA, according to the FAZ.
At a press conference before Zambia's match against Spain, Spanish reporters referred to allegations against Mwape specifically, and the coach said he wouldn't consider resigning based on “rumors.”
Mwape did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via the Zambian federation on Friday. AUSTRALIA IN FAMILIAR PLACE
>> Australia once again finds itself in a must-win game when the Matildas face Denmark in the round of 16.
“This is do or die now,” said Australia goalie Mackenzie Arnold. “Historically, we've always really performed well with our backs against the wall.”
Denmark finished second in Group D behind winner England, and only allowed one goal over three games of group play. Australia, meanwhile, hasn't had the smoothest tournament so far; a 4-0 win over Canada was in a game the Matildas had to win to avoid elimination.
Australia was last in the knockout stage of the World Cup in 2019 when the Matildas lost to Norway on penalty kicks. Now they face a Denmark team that has used stout defense and has forward Pernille Harder, who has scored 71 goals in her international career. Harder scored on a penalty kick against Haiti in Tuesday's final game of group play.
“Denmark have a lot of quality players all over the pitch and world-class in their final third,” Matildas' defender Clare Polkinghorne said. “It's definitely going to be a tough job for us to keep them contained, but I think as the games go on, obviously, your defense is going to be key.”
The match is the second time Denmark and Australia will play in a year; the Matildas earned their first win ever over the Danes in a 3-1 friendly played Viborg, Denmark, last October.
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