The coach of Zambia's women's football team, Bruce Mwape, is facing a misconduct complaint in relation to an alleged incident during the team's World Cup campaign, a FIFA spokesperson has confirmed. Photo: AFP / William West
FIFA is investigating a complaint of misconduct involving the Zambian women's football team during its World Cup campaign in New Zealand.
Zambia's controversial coach Bruce Mwape has previously denied allegations he sexually abused players, describing them to RNZ as "fake" and professed not to know whether FIFA was still investigating.
The Guardian newspaper has today reported Mwape faces fresh allegations that he touched a player's chest two days before their final match against Costa Rica in Hamilton on Monday.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed to RNZ that it received a complaint in relation to the Zambian Women's National team, which was currently being investigated.
"We cannot provide further details regarding an ongoing investigation for obvious confidentiality reasons."
FIFA took any allegation of misconduct "extremely seriously" and had clear processes in place for anyone who wanted to report an incident, including a confidential reporting platform.
"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 Ethics cases.
"Where guilt is established, FIFA takes the strongest possible sanctions, including removing people from the game for life. Our track record demonstrates this."
A police spokesperson said the New Zealand police have not received any complaints regarding the Zambian team.
"However, we were made aware of an alleged incident and after making initial enquiries, no further action was required to be taken," the spokesperson said in a statement.