Players Demand Lifetime Ban for Czech Coach

Women footballers affected by the actions of former coach Petr Vlachovsky are calling for a global lifetime ban after he was convicted of secretly filming players in private spaces.

Vlachovsky, who spent nearly 15 years coaching at and previously led the Czech Republic women’s national under-19 football team, received a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year coaching ban in the Czech Republic.

Authorities found he had secretly filmed 14 players over four years, hiding a camera inside a backpack to record footage in changing rooms and showers. The youngest victim was reported to be 17 years old.

The case came to light after police discovered the footage online following his arrest in September 2023. Investigators also found he possessed child sexual abuse material.

Players only learned about the recordings after the arrest.

Now, victims are pushing for stronger action. Global players’ union FIFPRO says it is exploring legal options to pursue a worldwide ban preventing Vlachovsky from ever working in football again.

According to FIFPRO, players were unable to attend a public trial or challenge what many believe was an extremely lenient sentence.

Some victims told Czech media the experience has left them fearful and anxious, saying they struggle to sleep and worry about being secretly filmed in public spaces.

The Football Association of the Czech Republic has acknowledged that safeguarding issues have not always been addressed adequately and says it intends to strengthen protections for players.

The case has also drawn attention to a similar incident in Austria involving a former official at SC Rheindorf Altach, raising broader concerns about privacy, safeguarding and player protection in women’s football.