Zambia's coach Bruce Mwape is under investigation for sexual harassment.
Despite this, he is training the team during the Olympics – but is forbidden to meet the players one-on-one.
The investigation was initiated during the 2022 World Championship, after a player on Zambia's women's national football team testified about sexual harassment to The Guardian. And during the championship, new allegations emerged that the 64-year-old had intentionally touched a player's breast. Mwape himself denies all allegations.
Mwape was granted a temporary visa to the Olympics in Paris despite the investigation, after many twists and turns. The Guardian writes that the Zambian's application was initially rejected, and that the players had to travel to Paris without their coach in the first stage, but that the application was eventually approved. Two days later, Mwape was allowed to enter the country.
The investigation is still ongoing, but despite this, it is he who will lead Zambia's Olympic team during the summer games in Paris. But only on one condition.
The same newspaper reports that Mwape is forbidden to meet players alone. He is only allowed to meet the team in groups.
The IOC has taken on the responsibility to ensure that every athlete can both compete and train in a safe sports environment. One that is fair, impartial, and free from all types of harassment and abuse, said an IOC spokesperson to The Guardian.
Zambia plays its Olympic premiere on Thursday at 21.00, against the USA.
