Fifpro calls for global coaching ban on Czech coach Petr Vlachovsky
The global players’ union Fifpro has called on Fifa to impose a worldwide coaching prohibition on Petr Vlachovsky, a Czech coach found guilty of covertly recording female footballers in changing facilities and showers, reports BritPanorama.
Vlachovsky used a concealed camera to film 14 players at FC Slovacko over a four-year period. He was also discovered to possess child sexual abuse material, raising significant concerns about the safety and privacy of athletes.
The Czech players’ union CAFH has been collaborating closely with Fifpro to pursue the international ban. In a statement released on Tuesday, Fifpro noted that CAFH “has been closely supporting the players since Vlachovsky’s arrest.”
In addition to the global efforts, the union is pressing the Czech Football Association to enforce a permanent domestic ban on Vlachovsky and any individuals convicted of sexual offences within the sport. Such measures are part of a broader movement seeking to strengthen safeguarding protocols in football.
Vlachovsky received his conviction in May 2025 after proceedings held without a public hearing. The court handed down a one-year prison sentence, suspended, as well as a coaching ban limited to the Czech Republic for five years. His youngest victim at the club was just 17 years old, and he had previously been in charge of the Czech women’s under-19 national team.
Currently, Vlachovsky could potentially resume coaching domestically as soon as 2030. Alarmingly, no restrictions prevent him from taking up coaching roles elsewhere in the world, creating a concerning gap in safeguarding.
Fifpro and CAFH are working to close this loophole. The world players’ union is exploring legal options to secure a global ban that would stop Vlachovsky from coaching internationally, reflecting an urgent need for coordinated action against such abuses.
Marketa Vochoska Haindlova, chair of CAFH and member of the Fifpro Europe board, explained the decision to publicise the case, stating, “After careful consideration and at the players’ direction, we made the entire case public.” She emphasised that while the media attention created pressure on the players, it is crucial for raising awareness about the broader issue of abuse in sports.
Haindlova has been critical of the perceived leniency in the punishment, describing a one-year suspended imprisonment as inadequate: “The sentence does not send the right signal.” She advocates for a zero-tolerance policy on such behaviours, insisting on strict measures that would see offenders permanently banned.
The Vlachovsky case is reminiscent of a similar incident in Austria just one week earlier, where a former official at Altach was convicted of secretly capturing images and videos of the women’s team in their changing room, gym, and showers, including footage of minors. This parallel raises further questions about safeguarding protocols in sports across Europe.
In the Austrian case, the official received a suspended prison sentence and a €1,200 fine, with victims awarded just €625 each in compensation. Former Altach player Eleni Rittmann expressed disbelief at the outcome, remarking, “This leaves me speechless.” The prosecutor is reportedly considering an appeal against the verdict.
The developments underscore the need for enhanced cross-border information sharing and stronger safeguarding measures in sports. As the incidents highlight vulnerabilities within the system, they pose a critical moment for stakeholders to reassess their commitment to athlete safety and the integrity of sports environments.
This all serves as a stark reminder that while the world of sport often celebrates triumph, issues of trust and safety lurk just beneath the surface, demanding urgent and unwavering attention.
