FIFA has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct within the Zambian national team during the Women's World Cup, the international football governing body confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.

Bruce Mwape, manager of Zambia, has been accused of rubbing his hands over the chest of one of his players during the World Cup, according to The Guardian on Thursday. An anonymous player revealed that "if he [Mwape] wants to sleep with someone, you have to say yes."

Back in September 2022, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced that it would investigate allegations of sexual abuse within the national team. The Guardian reported in July that Mwape was one of the investigation's targets.

"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," a FIFA spokesperson told ESPN. "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."

In their first appearance in the World Cup, Zambia had two losses – both 5-0 to Japan and Spain – and one win – 3-1 over Costa Rica – in Group C. Though they failed to reach the Round of 16, Zambia still made history with their first World Cup win. Lushomo Mweemba, Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji scored the three goals for the team at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand, on July 31.

"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," FIFA said. "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 Ethics cases. Where guilt is established, FIFA takes the strongest possible sanctions, including removing people from the game for life. Our track record demonstrates this."