There was confusion at Zambia’s press conference after media were barred from asking questions concerning an investigation into manager Bruce Mwape over a sexual assault allegation.
Mwape is being investigated in connection with the claims, with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) stating that it has sent its investigation to FIFA.
According to the Guardian, an unnamed player on the team had claimed: “If [Mwape] wants to sleep with someone, you have to say yes. Normally, the coach sleeps with the players in our team.”
A Spanish journalist attempted to interview Mwape about the claims, but after indicating that he would not respond, a FIFA official urged reporters to “restrict questions to football and tournament only.”
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The Zambia Women’s World Cup manager, 63, refuses to answer questions about the inquiry into alleged sexual misbehaviour with his players, with FIFA officials telling journalists that they should only answer “football questions.”
When asked about the allegations and if he would resign, Mwape replied: “What environment, affecting the team, in particular? What are you talking about?
“I would like to know because there is no way I can retire [resign] without reason. Maybe your reason is because of what you are reading from the media or the press, but the truth of the matter should come out, not just rumours.”
After referring the case to FIFA earlier this year, FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala said: “Although we have no record of official complaints from anyone on the allegations, we consider these allegations very serious and have opened an inquiry into the matter.
“We shall collaborate with the Zambia Police Service and other relevant stakeholders in dealing with this matter.”
A FIFA representative earlier this year stated that the organization was unable to comment on the probe at this time.
“Please note that as a general policy, the independent ethics committee does not comment on whether or not investigations are underway into alleged cases.
“As usual, any information the ethics committee may like to share will be communicated at their discretion.”