A former youth coach at clubs of the Urban Football Agreement of the regions of Lipopo and Malebo in Congo DR, Jonathan Bukabakwa has been banned from all football-related activities for 20 years, after being found guilty by the adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee of sexually abusing a minor football player.
The adjudicatory chamber also imposed a fine amounting to CHF 100,000 on Bukabakwa.
This ban and fine is coming after serious allegations related to the sexual abuse of minors in the Congo DR Football Association (FECOFA) that were levelled against various football coaches of different regions and leagues in Congo DR who were accused of having abused minor players.
Bukabakwa had earlier this year being provisionally suspended for a period of five months.
The adjudicatory chamber in arriving at its verdict took into cognizance the evidence collected during the investigations and was evidently satisfied that Bukabakwa had breached article 24 (Protection of physical and mental integrity) of the Code of Ethics.
Mr Bukabakwa has immediately been notified of the terms of the decision, which will be followed by the notification of the grounds within the next 60 days in accordance with the FIFA Code of Ethics.
The adjudicatory chamber is premising its decision in line with FIFA’s zero tolerance approach to all forms of abuse in football.
In recent times, FIFA has regularly updated its regulatory framework to give greater protection to victims of discrimination and sexual abuse or harassment.
The world football governing body also provides a confidential, dedicated, highly secure and web-based whistleblowing system that allows individuals report any safeguarding concerns.
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