Background on 1. FC Slovacko
1. FC Slovacko is a football club located in Uherske Hradiste, in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic. The team competes in the Czech First League.
Lifetime Ban for Former Coach
A former head coach has been given a lifetime ban by UEFA after secretly filming female football players in changing rooms and showers. Petr Vlachovsky was convicted in the Czech Republic last year for filming 14 players over a period of four years. He received a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year coaching ban domestically.
Following a thorough investigation, UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) determined that Vlachovsky violated regulations related to insulting or indecent behaviour and actions that bring football into disrepute. Consequently, UEFA has imposed a ban preventing him from engaging in any football-related activities for life.
Details of the Case
Vlachovsky coached girls and women at 1. FC Slovacko, a top-tier club, for nearly 15 years. Police arrested him in September 2023 after discovering covertly filmed footage posted online. In addition to the secret recordings, authorities found that he possessed child sexual abuse material.
International and National Actions
The CEDB has requested that FIFA, the global football governing body, extend the lifetime ban worldwide, ensuring Vlachovsky cannot participate in any football-related activities internationally. Furthermore, the Football Association of the Czech Republic has been ordered to revoke his coaching licence.
Players’ Reactions and Union Statements
The global players' union Fifpro reported that the players of 1. FC Slovacko only became aware they had been secretly filmed following Vlachovsky's arrest. The footage was recorded using a camera concealed in a backpack, and the youngest victim was 17 years old.
Earlier in 2024, some of the victims publicly demanded further action. They spoke to the Czech media outlet Seznam Zpravy, describing how Vlachovsky's actions caused them to experience fear and anxiety, affecting their ability to sleep and their comfort in public due to concerns about being filmed.
"This outcome sends a strong and necessary message that abusive and inappropriate behaviour has no place in football,"
Fifpro welcomed UEFA's decision and emphasized the importance of addressing such misconduct within the sport.
Vlachovsky’s Coaching Career
Prior to these events, Vlachovsky had served as head coach of the Czech Republic Under-19 women's team and was once recognized as the best women's coach in the country.
Additional information and updates related to this story can be found through various football news outlets and official club communications.
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