Safe Sport Storyline #16

Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport listing, timely disciplinary action, updates on the alleged abuse of Zimbabwean Women’s Rugby Team and the African Schools Football Championships, & more

May 02, 2025

Safe Sport Storyline listed by the Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport

I was pleased to hear from Lombwe Mwambwa that Safe Sport Storyline is now listed on the Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport (GO) resources page. GO is a global hub for research and expertise on gender equality and empowering women and girls through physical education, physical activity, and sport (PEPAS).

Building on the existing gender and sport movements across the world, GO are dedicated to closing knowledge gaps and enabling actors to overcome global and systemic inequalities and inequities to advance the rights, health and empowerment of girls and women in all their diversity in and through PEPAS.

You can find our listing on the GO website along with a host of other useful resources here

The Importance of Timely Disciplinary Action

This article commences with a disclaimer indicating that the content does not serve as legal advice, given the author's lack of legal qualifications and the acknowledgment that laws differ across jurisdictions. It is advised to consult professional legal counsel when faced with uncertainties regarding the appropriate procedures for handling disciplinary matters.

Sports organisations have faced challenges in managing disciplinary cases, often operating under the belief that they have the authority to make decisions independently of legal frameworks. It is common for sports officers to believe that their elected positions grant them the right to make or refrain from making disciplinary decisions, rather than ensuring these decisions are handled by neutral, qualified, and independent individuals. Currently, many sports organisations still delegate disciplinary decisions to their elected board members.

Precautionary Suspension

Safeguarding policies must include a provision for suspension pending investigation. This serves as a precautionary measure to preserve the integrity of the investigative process and ensure the safety of other individuals, rather than as a punitive action. The suspension should be directly related to the investigation. If the individual under investigation is an employee, they will be suspended with full pay during this period.

Timely Manner

When a sports organisation becomes aware of an alleged disciplinary offence, an investigation should be conducted promptly to ascertain if a disciplinary hearing is warranted. The following example illustrates a sports federation's delayed response to an allegation and the consequences that ensued.

In a recent case adjudicated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it was determined that the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had imposed a provisional suspension on Lennox Ogutu, which lasted for over two years. The player, accused of match fixing, sought judicial intervention after 18 months without resolution. According to the FIFA Disciplinary Regulations, a provisional measure is limited to a period of 90 days. CAS ruled that the suspension be lifted and established that players may now seek financial compensation for such breaches.

Criminal trials and internal disciplinary hearings

Historically, some sports organizations have assumed that the involvement of the criminal justice system negates their ability to impose disciplinary measures. This assumption is incorrect, as criminal trials and internal disciplinary hearings are separate processes with different standards of proof and procedures.

Sports organizations have the authority to impose disciplinary actions for misconduct, including behaviours that may be considered criminal offenses. In Zambia, an example was noted where a sports federation did not take disciplinary action after referring the matter to the police.

Kaluba Kangwa, former coach of Zambia’s Under-17 and Under-20 women’s teams, was suspended by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in September 2022 over allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of underaged players. A year later, he reportedly travelled to a CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying tournament in South Africa with a Zambian Women’s Club team.

The president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Andrew Kamanga, announced that the association would conduct an investigation into the allegations. He stated, “We will thoroughly interrogate the situation to clarify our future course of action.” Despite this assurance, Kangwa's suspension must have been lifted, and the investigations were deferred to the Police and FIFA, neither of which has taken any action thus far. Furthermore, no internal disciplinary hearing regarding the allegations was conducted.

The authority to enforce disciplinary actions for misconduct does not appear to have been exercised, potentially due to the absence of a criminal case initiation. In instances where the matter is sufficiently serious to warrant police involvement, it is appropriate to conduct an internal investigation followed by a disciplinary hearing.

Fair disciplinary proceedings

Sports organizations must ensure that their disciplinary processes are conducted fairly and adhere to due process. This includes providing the alleged offender with notice of the charges and an opportunity for a hearing. It is permissible for the sports organization to initiate a disciplinary hearing even if the alleged offender is facing criminal charges. It is essential to avoid compromising any criminal investigation during the investigative phase. Coordinating with the investigating officer from the police is crucial in determining the proper time to begin an internal investigation.

Disciplinary hearing evidence cannot be used in a criminal trial. The accused can choose to participate in the internal hearing while the criminal case is ongoing. The internal hearing can proceed even if the respondent does not attend.

Given the lengthy timeframes that criminal cases can take to be resolved in certain jurisdictions, it is recommended that any investigation leading to a disciplinary hearing be conducted promptly upon the organization becoming aware of the alleged disciplinary infraction.

The outcome of a criminal case does not determine the outcome of a disciplinary hearing. Criminal cases and disciplinary hearings operate under different standards of proof.

Individuals accused of misconduct within a sports organisation are entitled to several rights during disciplinary hearings, including:

• The right to be informed of the charges

• The right to adequate time to prepare for the hearing

• The right to present their case and defence

• The right to impartial judgment

• The right to appeal the decision

Furthermore, they have the right for the hearing to be conducted without unreasonable delay and in a timely manner.

Updates from the African Schools Football Championships

Readers might be interested in seeing this Instagram post from UNICEF Ghana on their contribution to program of safeguarding training at the championships.

unicefghana

A post shared by @unicefghana

I thamk Malik Halid for his comments and photographs while volunteering at the championships, showing his passion for safeguarding in football.

“Safeguarding is not just a responsibility — #ProtectTheDream

Ahead of the African Schools Football Championship in Accra, I was thrilled to join the Safeguarding Workshop facilitated by Norman Brook MBE. Hearing directly from Omar Amr Abou-Zeid (Safeguarding Manager at Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) about institutionalizing safeguarding policies across African football, and gaining fresh insights from Rose Zara Chitou on the rights of the child, reminded me why this mission matters.

Having completed all five of the FIFA Guardians safeguarding courses, this workshop reinforced my commitment to ensuring that every child involved in football can thrive in a safe, supportive environment. I look forward to sharing this knowledge with coaches, volunteers, and all adults involved in juvenile sports because safeguarding is the foundation of true development.

The journey continues — and I’m proud to be part of the movement!”

Update on Alleged Abuse of Zimbabwean National Women’s Rugby Team by ZRU President

In last week’s Safe Sport Storyline we reported on the release of an audio recording in which Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) President, Losson Mtongwiza, appears to be threatening and bullying players of the national women’s rugby team.

The Zimbabwe Rugby Union (ZRU) has reportedly failed to address the issue despite Mtongwiza’s own admission and the existence of audio recordings as evidence of inappropriate conduct. At the meeting held last Friday, the ZRU Executive Board concluded without taking any action, indicating that there was "insufficient evidence" to proceed against the President.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) has asked the ZRU to address allegations of mistreatment of the National Senior Women’s Rugby Team during and after the Rugby Africa Women’s Division One Cup Tournament.

“The SRC has summoned the ZRU to clarify, in a formal setting, the precise nature of the recent allegations being made against certain officials of the ZRU. The intention of the meeting is to ascertain if the allegations form a prime facie basis for an enquiry; the outcome of which, in the event, would form the basis for remedial action in terms of the ZRU’s constitution”.

The ZRU board's meeting with the SRC on Tuesday was picketed by fans upset about the treatment of the women's team.

Read news article here and here

JOB OPPORTUNITY

UNESCO seeking a Safe Sport Junior Consultant (UNESCO Sport Section)

UNESCO are looking for a dynamic, structured and highly organized Junior Consultant to support the implementation of UNESCO’s Safe Sport Workplan – from helping deliver survivor-centered consultations to supporting the coordination of a Global Taskforce and the design of a pilot to test policy standards.

This consultancy will make a central contribution to the work of UNESCO's #FitforLife Global Sport Alliance, which aims to increase participation in safe, inclusive and equitable sport. The successful candidate will work closely with our team and partners to tackle all forms of violence and abuse in sport, and to help drive systemic change across policy, practice and perception.

💼 6-month, full-time consultancy (with possibility of extension based on performance)
📍 Ideally Paris-based
📅 Deadline: 11 May 2025 at midnight Paris time.
📩 Apply via email: n.mclennan@unesco.org & v.aime@unesco.org

Full Terms of Reference can be found here

RESOURCES

Ask 4 SAM

A really great website created in the UK “Ask 4 SAM” where SAM is an acronym for Safe Adult Mentor. In addition to being a portal where children can find support from safe adult mentors, this child friendly website also contains resources for children and grown-ups on keeping children safe.

Wish we had a website like this for children in Africa. Well worth a visit.

You can find this website here

‘Where’ Are the Children in Safeguarding Policies of Sport? An Analysis of National and International Discourses in Policy Documentation

This open access research by Suzanne Everley evaluated safeguarding policies of sport governing bodies nationally and internationally to understand how the concept of ‘safeguarding’ and child protection are constructed, the location of ‘children’ in text and the implications this has for practice.

Findings demonstrated World Governing Bodies attended to elite athlete equality with National Governing Bodies focusing on shared responsibilities of all involved in child sport environments. ‘Children’ in policy were identified as a group to be represented by adults with limited attention to their own agency. A shift towards acknowledgement of children's rights with good practice requires attention to holistic development of the child. Policy included accessible reporting mechanisms although lacked guidance on managing power relations in reporting processes.

You can access this research here

KEEPING THE GAME SAFE: Addressing Child Safeguarding, Gender-Based Violence & Human Rights in the FIFA World Cup 2026

A useful report for not just major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026, but other major events. “Keeping the Game Safe,” by the University of Miami School of Law Human Rights Clinic and the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, maps risks to children at mega-sporting and I would suggest other sporting events.

The report recommends event organizers should put in place mandatory safeguarding training, binding child protection standards, designate trained and experienced safeguarding officers at each venue and host city, and implement a centralized reporting system. Venues should have child-centered design and stringent protections against child labor.

You can find this resource here

NEWS

Nigerian club, league and federation found negligent for player's death

Chineme Martins, who played for Nasarawa United, died after collapsing during a Nigerian Professional Football League match at which there was insufficient medical services in March 2020. The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has found the club, league, federation, and match commissioner negligent for Martins’ death. The court’s ruling stated that it was “reprehensible” that Martins was allowed to play without complete medical tests and without the provision of adequate medical facilities at the Lafia Township Stadium

Read the article here

Dedicated Safeguarding Session at Botswana FA’s U-13 Girls Holiday Camp

Last week the Botswana Football Association (BFA) organised an Under-13 Girls Holiday Camp featuring a dedicated safeguarding session aimed at empowering young female players with essential life skills. The session focused on raising awareness about different forms of abuse, recognizing warning signs, and understanding the importance of speaking up and reporting concerns. By creating a safe and supportive environment, the session aimed to equip girl players with knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and others, reinforcing the BFA’s commitment to child safety and well-being both on and off the field.

The people who make sport safe!

The International Safeguards for Children in Sport with just 100 days to go to #SafeSportDay 2025 - have announced that the theme of this year's campaign is The people who make sport safe!

In every organisation there are safeguarding champions. This role might be officially recognised in their job title, or it might be the person or people who go the extra mile to make sure children have a safe and enjoyable experience!

It's people that makes sport safe - and without our safeguarding champions, there would be no safeguarding!

For more information sign up to the International Safeguards newsletter here.

Eleven high schoolers in the US involved in extreme hazing of lacrosse players given 48 hours to surrender or face kidnapping charges

At least 11 high school students in Syracuse, New York, have 48 hours to turn themselves in or face felony charges of kidnapping for their alleged involvement in victimizing at least five younger lacrosse players in an incident the district attorney says “goes way beyond hazing.”

The incident took place last Thursday evening, when a group of Westhill High School students, who are not being named due to their age, decided “they were going to haze or play some sort of prank” on younger members of the school’s lacrosse team…