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WWC: Zambia coach accused of ‘rubbing player’s breasts’ as FIFA launch investigation

Zambia manager Bruce Mwape is being investigated by FIFA after he was accused of rubbing a player’s chest following a training session at the Women’s World Cup.

A complaint was made to world football’s governing body after the African nation secured its first ever victory at the tournament by beating Costa Rica on Monday.

The alleged incident took place after Zambia’s training session on Friday 28 July, according to The Guardian, with a source close to the squad claiming that several players saw Mwape rubbing his hands over the chest of one of their team-mates. Witnesses were said to have discussed the possibility of reporting it immediately but ended up waiting until after Monday’s game out of fear that they would not be selected.

Andrew Kamanga, president of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), is thought to be aware of the incident after it was reported to a FIFA delegate who had been with the squad throughout their Women’s World Cup campaign. Express Sport have approached the FAZ for comment but the governing body is yet to respond.

A FIFA spokesperson said: “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. 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. Anyone who wishes to report allegations or information related to abuse in football can do so via FIFA’s confidential reporting platform, with all information that is submitted to FIFA handled in the strictest of confidence.

“In addition, FIFA offers support and assistance to ensure the safety of those who report a safeguarding issue, including witnesses who come forward and give testimony in FIFA judicial cases. Where guilt is established, FIFA takes the strongest possible sanctions, including removing people from the game for life. Our track record demonstrates this.”

Meanwhile, the FAZ told the BBC: “All the training sessions for the Copper Queens [Zambia] were filmed by the FAZ media team and offers no such footage. Additionally, a FIFA film crew attached to the Zambian team at the World Cup was present at all training sessions.

The alleged incident was said to have taken place before Zambia’s group stage win over Costa Rica.
“We, however, wish to reassure the public that FAZ maintains the highest standards of integrity and transparency and always demands unwavering ethical conduct of the players and officials on and off the field of play.

“We, therefore, 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.”

Mwape was also the subject of sexual misconduct allegations before the start of the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand but has denied the claims. A player who wished to remain anonymous told The Guardian last month: “If he [Mwape] wants to sleep with someone, you have to say yes. It’s normal that the coach sleeps with the players in our team.”

The Zambia boss was then quizzed on those allegations prior to their second group stage match against Spain before a FIFA media officer stepped in and said: “I’ll ask you to restrict the questions to the football and to the tournament only.”

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G-Innovation Youngsters Hits Finland For Professional Football Careers

 

 

As the conveyor belts of the grassroots football factories gets lubricated, the products are gradually taking over the football shelves across the globe.

The latest talents are from the football factory of Lagos based non-league side, G-Innovation football club. The duo of Solomon Nwachuchuwu, a very energetic and attack-minded left-back and Israel Okienyi, a tall and highly rated goalkeeper have signed to join top premier league side AC Oulu in Finland.

The youngsters who were selected during a recently held football scouting tournament, brimmed with confidence as they departed Nigeria, expressing their desires and determination to make their grassroots club proud and of course, be good football ambassadors of Nigeria.

Speaking at their departure, President of G-Innovation FC, Chigozie Nwagwu, said he believes that the boys will shine and be worthy additions to their new team.

The youthful club owner added that his team, has a large pool of talented footballers who are equally ready for professional football.

Even as he went ahead to thanked his partners, particularly, Ude Dominic Egbukwu, the CEO of UDE Sports Agency, for the success achieved, so far.

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Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Super Eagles Star Signing

Spanish Giants Take Big Step In €60 million Rated Ademola Lookman Pursuit

Barcelona, the Spanish LaLiga giant, has contacted the agent of Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman regarding a potential transfer this summer, according to Soccernet.ng.

Barcelona has been monitoring Lookman as a potential summer signing as they look to bolster their attack ahead of next season.

The Super Eagles star is expected to leave Atalanta summer. He has already attracted a lot of attention, and that is not a surprise, as he has contributed 50 goals and 24 assists in 115 appearances.

To get Lookman, Barcelona would have to outdo Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, and Nottingham Forest who are also interested in acquiring his services. Liverpool have also been reported to be in the mix.

Now, in a new development per Caught Offside, the Blaugrana have made a vital step to sign Lookman. Barcelona have contacted Lookman’s agent for a possible deal in the summer.

The Super Eagles star has a release clause of €60 million at Atalanta, and with the way that Barcelona have conducted their business for the last two years, they could still eke out the fee despite their financial challenges.

However, the wages could be the issue. Ademola Lookman currently earns just over €2 million per year at Atalanta. Currently, only four players make more than that at Barcelona. And the Spanish champions will be careful to keep their wage structure intact.

This might be an issue, as the other English clubs looking at Lookman could easily double or triple his wages. Moreover, since the 27-year-old grew up and played in England previously, he could have to favour a return there.

 

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Victor Osimhen: The €40M Transfer Race That’s Heating Up Europe

victor osimhen- sportsmarketinternational

Victor Osimhen is once again dominating headlines—this time, not just for his goal-scoring brilliance, but for a high-stakes transfer race drawing the eyes of Europe’s elite.

Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, the Nigerian striker has been unstoppable, notching 31 goals this season and leading his team to their first Turkish Cup final in six years. His latest masterclass—a clinical strike in a 5–1 demolition of Konyaspor—has sent scouts, fans, and football directors into a frenzy.

But what’s next for the Super Eagles talisman?

Manchester United’s Game-Changer?

According to multiple sources, including Goal and TeamTalk, Manchester United have already reached an “agreement in principle” with Osimhen for a summer move. The deal is rumored to cost between €30M and €40M—an absolute bargain for a player of his caliber.

United see him as a “transformational signing”—a potential fix for their long-standing striker crisis and a spark to reignite their Premier League and Champions League ambitions.

PSG, Chelsea Join the Race

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea aren’t far behind. With Kylian Mbappé heading to Real Madrid and Chelsea desperately needing firepower, Osimhen’s availability is turning heads. PSG is reportedly ready to go head-to-head with United for his signature, while Chelsea could swoop in with a late offer.

What This Means for the Market

Osimhen’s move—regardless of the destination—will reshape the 2025 summer transfer market. Clubs are on alert, agents are negotiating, and fans are watching every move.

He isn’t just a footballer; he’s a brand, a marketable figure, and a potential franchise centerpiece for any club smart enough to close the deal.

Stay tuned to Sports Market International for real-time updates, expert insights, and the stories that shape the global sports business.

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