After reporters were prevented from asking questions on an inquiry into manager Bruce Mwape over a sexual assault allegation, there was uncertainty at Zambia’s news conference.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced that it had turned over its investigation into Mwape to FIFA.
The Guardian reported that an unidentified team member had said: “If [Mwape] wants to sleep with someone, you have to say yes.” Typically, our team’s coach cozies up to the players.
A Spanish reporter tried to question Mwape about the claims, but once he made it clear he wouldn’t respond, a FIFA representative instructed the media to “restrict questions to the football and tournament only.”
Mwape responded when questioned about the accusations and whether he will step down: ‘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 from the press, but the truth of the matter should actually 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.’
Speaking earlier this year, a FIFA spokesman said it was unable to comment on the investigation 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.’