USA Women Open with Soccer Win Over Zambia
Opponents’ Coach Works Despite Facing Sexual Misconduct Accusations
The United States Women comfortably defeated Zambia, 3-0, in their opening round of the Olympic soccer competition on Thursday. The Zambian women deserve empathy for having to play while being coached by Bruce Mwape, who is currently under Zambia’s coach investigation for sexual misconduct.
In another bizarre twist to the sport of soccer and the prelude to the Olympics, Bruce Mwape, under investigation for sexual misconduct, coached Zambia. He cannot be around the team and had to take a cab to the game by himself but somehow still coached.
Stunning? In Olympic news, soccer news, or any international news it should be, but the way the sports world turns in 2024, anything is believable.
Incredible story on the USA broadcast from Jon Champion, who says they spotted Zambia coach Bruce Mwape taking a cab to this game on his own.
Mwape has been kept away from contact Zambia players over repeated allegations of sexual misconduct…but is still allowed to coach them.
— Jason Anderson (@JasonDCsoccer) July 25, 2024
Before getting to the mundane details of USA’s easy win, let’s look at how Zambia reached the point where its coach is under investigation for sexual misconduct but remains on the sidelines.
Press Opinion
Per The Guardian:
Fifa is still investigating claims that Mwape rubbed his hands over the chest of a player after a training session at last year’s World Cup in New Zealand.The Guardian also revealed in May that he intentionally touched a FIFA contractor’s breast at the same tournament.
Before the World Cup, Mwape – who has previously denied the accusations – was the subject of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by several players in the squad, referred to world football’s governing body by the Zambian Football Association (FAZ).
The International Olympic Committee said at the time that it “will be following the outcome of this case closely, for consideration with respect to the Olympic Games,” with Mwape having led Zambia to qualification last year after continuing in his post despite being under investigation.
Initially, authorities denied the 64-year-old a visa to enter France. However, they later reversed the decision while imposing strict conditions. These include preventing private contact with any players and mandating all one-on-one meetings to occur in public spaces.
FIFA and IOC’s Responsibility in Safeguarding Athletes
The Fifa contractor who alleged that Mwape touched her breast said she was “bitterly disappointed” with the decision to allow him to coach at the Olympics. “He should have gone years ago,” she added.
FIFA must ensure players are in a safe environment, though the competition falls under the International Olympic Committee. Either group needed to step up and make sure Mwape was not on the sidelines or anywhere near the team until the investigation resolved in clearing him or finding him culpable. This ongoing Zambia’s coach investigation highlights the failures in safeguarding athletes.
“The IOC is committed to ensuring that every athlete can train and compete in a safe sporting environment, one that is fair, equitable, and free from all forms of harassment and abuse,” a spokesperson told the Guardian. “In Paris, safeguarding and mental health measures and initiatives are in place for all participants.
We implement additional safeguarding measures when specific concerns arise, following standard procedures.
It seems someone high up somewhere has failed the Zambian women.
Familiar Name Opens Scoring
The USA quickly scored against Zambia. The goal was a beauty by the talented Trinity Rodman. Check out the wonderful moves before the shot found the net.
The US are bullying Zambia but this is a special Trinity Rodman goal #uswnt
— Justin Horneker (@hornekerjustin) July 25, 2024
Another look:
Trinity Rodman puts the Americans on the board in 17’.
USA 1, Zambia 0 pic.twitter.com/Dc6LL4Gi00
— Katie Lipton (@katielipton) July 25, 2024
That tally came in the 17th minute. Mallory Swanson followed with a pair of goals (24th, 25th minutes) in 70 seconds.
TWO GOALS IN 70 SECONDS 🤯
Take a bow, Mallory Swanson!
📺: @NBCOlympics & @peacock #ParisOlympics
pic.twitter.com/23fpaUhgky— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 25, 2024
No one expected Zambia to challenge the USA, a heavy favorite in the competition alongside Spain and France.
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