Calls for Global Ban on Czech Coach Convicted of Filming Female Players

The Czech player union, CAFH, is advocating for a lifetime ban on Petr Vlachovsky, a coach convicted of secretly filming female players in changing rooms and showers. Vlachovsky, who filmed 14 players at FC Slovacko over four years, received a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year domestic coaching ban in May 2025. His youngest victim was 17 years old, and he was also found in possession of child sexual abuse material. Despite his conviction, he is not barred from coaching internationally, prompting calls for a more stringent global response.

The Guardian

Fifpro, the global players' union, is supporting CAFH's efforts to impose a lifetime ban on Vlachovsky and all sexual offenders in football. Marketa Vochoska Haindlova, chair of CAFH and a board member of Fifpro Europe, emphasized the need for a zero-tolerance policy in sports to prevent similar abuses. She stated, “The sentence of one year’s suspended imprisonment... does not send the right signal,” highlighting the inadequacy of the current five-year coaching ban, which is only applicable in the Czech Republic.

The Guardian

The leniency of Vlachovsky's sentence has drawn parallels to a recent case in Austria, where a former official received a suspended prison sentence and a fine for similar offenses involving the Altach women's football team. Eleni Rittmann, a former player, expressed her disbelief at the punishment, questioning its effectiveness as a deterrent. She remarked, “For me this is not a strong enough signal for something that is not tolerated in our society.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among players regarding the perceived inadequacy of legal consequences for such violations.

The Guardian

In addition to advocating for lifetime bans, Fifpro is pushing for improved safeguarding measures within the coaching industry. This includes better information-sharing between countries regarding coaches found guilty of sexual offenses. The organization aims to address the serious implications of non-contact sexual abuse and ensure that victims feel safe and protected in their environments.

The Guardian

• “There must be a zero-tolerance policy here to send a clear signal that such behaviour will never be tolerated and swiftly eradicated.” — Marketa Vochoska Haindlova, CAFH Chair

The Guardian

• “I then ask myself, is this an appropriate punishment?” — Eleni Rittmann, Former Altach Player

The Guardian

The call for a global ban on Petr Vlachovsky underscores a critical moment in the fight against sexual abuse in sports. As organizations like Fifpro and CAFH push for stricter measures and lifetime bans, the conversation around safeguarding and accountability in coaching continues to gain momentum. The outcomes of these advocacy efforts may significantly influence the future landscape of sports governance and player safety.

The Guardian