Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape has, in the last year, been accused of sexual misconduct. Prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, he refused to comment on the accusation following a report by The Guardian.
And after Zambia bowed out of the World Cup, the UK-based publication again reported that Mwape was accused of rubbing his hands over one of his players’ chests two days before Zambia’s victory over Costa Rica.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) last week responded to the report, stating that they had not received any complaints.
However, Fifa acknowledged receiving an official complaint regarding the alleged incident in New Zealand.
Mwape, in response to the allegations, says he is relieved that Fifa is investigating him so that he can be vindicated because he is innocent.
“I am happy that FIFA is investigating the matter because it will provide an opportunity for my name to be cleared of all the allegations,” he told the Sports Mail.
“I shall cooperate throughout the investigations because I want my name to be cleared and people should know the truth.”
Mwapes believes the allegations are driven by people who want to dent his reputation.
“The accusers have always hidden under the guise of social media and have never identified any victim in this entire episode. I have always been ready to cooperate with any investigations….. I hope once everything is concluded, the allegations will be put to rest.”
Sexual misconduct allegations against Mwape first surfaced on social media in 2022 after the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. However, FAZ said that they did not receive any complaints from the players or anyone else regarding the matter.
The public was advised to report any evidence to either the police or the association.
