The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has expressed shock at the alleged Investigation into sexual harassment of a Cooper Queens player as per story in the Guardian Newspaper.
According to a statement by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala the Association has denied having knowledge of the investigation contrary to the Guardian story suggesting that FAZ President Andrew Kamanga knows about the investigation.
The Guardian published a story yesterday saying FIFA is investigating a report that Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape rubbed a players chest two days before the historical 3-1 win over Costa Rica.
“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to clear the air following an online publication dated 3rd August 2023 in “The Guardian” headlined “FIFA investigating claims Zambia coach rubbed player’s chest at World Cup”.
In the said publication, it is said that Zambia’s coach Bruce Mwape has been accused of rubbing his hands over the chest of one of the players two days before Zambia’s victory over Costa Rica in their final match at the Women’s World Cup. It is further reported that FIFA has confirmed receiving an official complaint about the alleged incident and that FAZ is believed to be aware of the incident.”
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says that Football House has not received any such complaint.
“We wish to state that 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,” Kamanga told FAZ Media.
“As a matter of fact, all the training sessions for the Copper Queens were filmed by the FAZ media team and offers no such footage as envisioned by The Guardian. Additionally, a FIFA film crew attached to the Zambian team at the World Cup was present at all training sessions.”
He adds: “We however wish to reassure the public that FAZ maintains the highest standards of integrity and transparency and always demands unwavering ethical conduct of the players and officials on and off the field of play. We therefore 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.”
Zambia suffered a premature elimination from the tournament after losing back to back games 5-0 to Japan and Spain before beating Costa Rica in the final group C match.
The truth will come out eventually and that is what is important.
Whether true or not, Bruce cannot continue with the team, This story will never die and will be a constant distraction wherever we play. I suggest Bruce resigns and sues the publication if these stories have no merit to them. This circus has gone on for far too long.