Fifa-Banned Coach in DR Congo Continues Youth Training Despite 20-Year Ban

Jonathan Bukabakwa, a football coach from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who was banned from all football-related activities by Fifa for 20 years due to sexual abuse of a minor, is reportedly still coaching young players despite the ban. This revelation highlights significant flaws in the enforcement of safeguarding protocols within the sport.

Bukabakwa, also known by the nickname "Messi," was banned in March 2023 following a thorough Fifa investigation that found him guilty of sexually abusing a minor. Alongside the lengthy ban, he was fined 100,000 Swiss francs. Prior to Fifa's sanction, Bukabakwa had been convicted of similar offences by DRC authorities and served time in prison, from which he was released last year.

Despite these serious sanctions, the Guardian has uncovered that Bukabakwa continues to take charge of youth teams in the Limpopo and Malabo regions. His ongoing involvement with young players raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of Fifa's safeguarding and disciplinary systems, especially in regions where local enforcement mechanisms may be weaker.

This situation exposes a troubling gap between Fifa's disciplinary decisions and their actual implementation on the ground. While Fifa's 20-year ban is one of the harshest penalties it can impose, the inability to prevent a coach with a documented history of abuse from continuing to work with minors undermines efforts to protect young athletes and maintain the integrity of football development programs.

The ongoing presence of Bukabakwa in youth football circles could have damaging consequences for the players under his supervision and the wider football community in the DRC. It also calls for urgent review and reinforcement of safeguarding policies to ensure that bans are respected and enforced worldwide, particularly in less regulated football environments.

Looking ahead, the focus will be on how Fifa and local football authorities respond to this breach of disciplinary measures. Strengthening monitoring and cooperation with local bodies will be essential to prevent similar cases and safeguard young players from abuse. The football community will be watching closely for any developments in this troubling case and broader reforms in safeguarding practices.

For more details, visit the original report on theguardian.com.