A YOUTH football coach from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jonathan Bukabakwa, has been handed a lengthy ban for sexually abusing a minor, FIFA announced today.
“The adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has banned Mr Jonathan Bukabakwa, former youth coach at clubs of the Urban Football Agreement of the regions of Lipopo and Malebo in Congo DR, from all football-related activities for 20 years, after having found him guilty of sexually abusing a minor football player,” FIFA stated today.
“In addition, the adjudicatory chamber imposed a fine amounting to 100,000 Swiss francs on Mr Bukabakwa.
“This case arose following serious allegations related to the sexual abuse of minors in the Congo DR Football Association (FECOFA) that were made on several media platforms.
“In particular, various football coaches of different regions and leagues in Congo DR were accused of having abused minor players, leading to Mr Bukabakwa being provisionally suspended for a period of five months earlier this year.”
The world football governing body explained that in deciding the case, the adjudicatory chamber took into account the evidence collected during the investigations and was comfortably satisfied that Bukabakwa had breached article 24 (Protection of physical and mental integrity) of the Code of Ethics.
The terms of the decision were notified to Bukabakwa today, the date on which the ban comes into force, and will be followed by the notification of the grounds within the next 60 days in accordance with the FIFA Code of Ethics, the body explained further.
“The decision taken by the adjudicatory chamber is in line with FIFA’s zero tolerance approach to all forms of abuse in football. World football’s governing body has regularly updated its regulatory framework in recent years to provide greater protection to victims of discrimination and sexual abuse or harassment,” FIFA noted.
“FIFA also provides a confidential, dedicated, highly secure and web-based whistleblowing system so that individuals can report any safeguarding concerns.”
[NaijaTimes]