FIFA has confirmed it is investigating a complaint of alleged misconduct related to the Zambian Women's World Cup team.
Earlier this week, British newspaper The Guardian published an allegation Zambian players had seen coach Bruce Mwape touch a player inappropriately during a training session.
"FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident," FIFA said in a statement.
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"We can confirm that a complaint has been received in relation to the Zambian Women’s National team and this is currently being investigated. We cannot provide further details regarding an ongoing investigation for obvious confidentiality reasons."
The investigation takes some of the shine of the country's inaugural World Cup finals appearance. They exited the tournament after losses to Spain and Japan, and a historic win over Costa Rica.
The Football Association of Zambia said it had not received a complaint but would act if it received a complaint or evidence of wrongdoing.
"We wish to state the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has not received any such complaint from any of the players or officials in the delegation that travelled to the World Cup,” FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga said in a statement on the FAZ's social media.
"It has therefore come as a surprise for us to hear of such alleged misconduct by the coach as reported in the said online publication."
Kamanga added the FAZ "would not hesitate to take disciplinary measures and act on any misconduct once we are in receipt of an official complaint or when presented with evidence pertaining to an alleged incident."
Before the tournament, there was previously an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse in Zambian women’s football by coaches and officials.
At the time, the Zambia FA and police confirmed an investigation into allegations but declined to name anyone implicated. Those allegations were also referred to FIFA, according to the FAZ.
At a press conference before Zambia's match against Spain, Spanish reporters referred to allegations against Mwape specifically, and the coach said he wouldn't consider resigning based on "rumours".
Mwape did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via the Zambian federation on Friday.
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FIFA has confirmed it is investigating a complaint of alleged misconduct related to the Zambian Women's World Cup team.
Earlier this week, British newspaper The Guardian published an allegation Zambian players had seen coach Bruce Mwape touch a player inappropriately during a training session.
"FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report an incident," FIFA said in a statement.
READ MORE: Cummins' final Ashes Test injury heroics revealed
READ MORE: 'Crossroads': Joey unsurprised by grim Ponga admission
READ MORE: Cruel request for German star after World Cup 'disaster'
"We can confirm that a complaint has been received in relation to the Zambian Women’s National team and this is currently being investigated. We cannot provide further details regarding an ongoing investigation for obvious confidentiality reasons."
The investigation takes some of the shine of the country's inaugural World Cup finals appearance. They exited the tournament after losses to Spain and Japan, and a historic win over Costa Rica.
The Football Association of Zambia said it had not received a complaint but would act if it received a complaint or evidence of wrongdoing.
"We wish to state the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has not received any such complaint from any of the players or officials in the delegation that travelled to the World Cup,” FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga said in a statement on the FAZ's social media.
"It has therefore come as a surprise for us to hear of such alleged misconduct by the coach as reported in the said online publication."
Kamanga added the FAZ "would not hesitate to take disciplinary measures and act on any misconduct once we are in receipt of an official complaint or when presented with evidence pertaining to an alleged incident."
Before the tournament, there was previously an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse in Zambian women’s football by coaches and officials.
At the time, the Zambia FA and police confirmed an investigation into allegations but declined to name anyone implicated. Those allegations were also referred to FIFA, according to the FAZ.
At a press conference before Zambia's match against Spain, Spanish reporters referred to allegations against Mwape specifically, and the coach said he wouldn't consider resigning based on "rumours".
Mwape did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via the Zambian federation on Friday.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
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