An African coach has been accused of sexually abusing some of the women's national team players.
According to The Guardian, it is alleged that the Zambia Women's national team coach Bruce Mwape is reported to have sexually abused some players in the team, with reports of several testimonies being made linking the boss to the alleged incidents.
Although a formal investigation into the allegations was initiated last year in September, some players have now anonymously spoken of the nation's debut appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, starting on 20 July.
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An unnamed squad member told the British outlet, "If he [Mwape] wants to sleep with someone, you have to say yes.
"It's normal that the coach sleeps with the players in our team."
Another source, according to the publication, indicated that the footballers have been threatened to maintain silence on the incidents or be punished.
"They are being threatened with punitive action if they dare say anything about what happened," the source said.
"The federation is turning a blind eye because the women have had good results.
"It's their way to show to the public and the authorities' success and a good image. But behind the scenes, it's very ugly."
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said that they have referred the matter to both FIFA and the police as they do not want to be accused of "taking sides".
"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," FAZ general secretary, Adrian Kashala, referred to the organisation's initial statement in 2022.
"We shall collaborate with the Zambia Police Service and other relevant stakeholders in dealing with this matter."
Mwape, who took charge of the team in May 2018, has not made any comments on the matter, while FIFA confirmed that the allegations were still being investigated.
A spokesperson said, "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."
Zambia are one of four African nations set to take part in the upcoming tournament alongside Banyana Banyana, Nigeria, and Morocco.
The Copper Queens are in Group C with Spain, Costa Rica and Japan and will face the Asian side in their historic opening game of the showpiece on 22 July.
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