UEFA bans former-coach for life over secret filming

UEFA has asked FIFA to extend the ban worldwide to prevent Vlachovský from working.

NYON, Switzerland: Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has imposed a lifetime ban on former coach Petr Vlachovský after finding that he secretly recorded women footballers in dressing rooms and showers.

European football’s governing body said its disciplinary investigation concluded that the 42-year-old coach enaged in unethical conduct and actions that damaged the reputation of the sport.

A court in the Czech Republic last year handed Vlachovský a one-year suspended prison sentence and a five-year coaching ban after convicting him of secretly filming 14 female players.

Police launched an investigation in September 2023 after the hidden recordings surfaced online.

Authorities said the coach concealed a camera inside a bag to film players in locker rooms and shower areas. Some of the victims were minors.

UEFA has asked FIFA to extend the ban worldwide to prevent Vlachovský from working in football in any country.

The Football Association of the Czech Republic has also been instructed to revoke his coaching license.

More read, Will Ronaldo feature in his sixth World Cup? squad revealed

Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make history by appearing in a record sixth FIFA World Cup after being named in Portugal’s squad for the 2026 tournament.

The 41-year-old forward, who captains Portugal national football team, will become the first player to feature in six World Cups if he takes the field in the tournament, which begins June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, reports suggest.

Ronaldo holds the world records for the most international appearances with 226 and the most international goals with 143.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has played for Al Nassr FC since January 2023.

Ronaldo was cleared to participate in all of Portugal’s group-stage matches after avoiding a potential suspension stemming from a red card in a World Cup qualifying playoff against the Republic of Ireland in November.