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Zambia soccer federation opens investigation into sexual abuse claims

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Players of Team Zambia warm up prior to the Women's Group F match between Brazil and Zambia on day four of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Saitama Stadium on July 27, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

The Zambia Football Association opened an investigation into claims of sexual abuse Friday.

The Federation initiated the inquiry after accusations were made on social media claiming members of the women’s national team were victims of abuse by the coaching staff.

“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 said in a statement.

“We shall collaborate with the Zambia Police Service and other relevant stakeholders in dealing with this matter.”

The Zambian women’s soccer team has experienced success on the pitch in recent years, making their Olympic debut in Tokyo. The team finished third in this year’s African Cup of Nations, qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Kashala has encouraged anyone with information or evidence to come forward to the authorities and the national soccer body.