Full Breakdown
UEFA Imposes Lifetime Ban on Czech Women’s Coach Petr Vlachovsky
5/20/2026, 12:26:57 AM
Core Event: Lifetime Ban and International Sanction Request
On 19 May 2026 UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) issued a lifetime ban on Petr Vlachovsky, former coach of 1 FC Slovacko’s women’s team, from all football-related activity. The decision cites violations of UEFA disciplinary Articles 11(1) and 11(2)(b) & (d) for indecent behaviour and bringing the sport into disrepute. UEFA also wrote to FIFA requesting that the ban be applied worldwide and asked the Czech Football Association (FACR) to revoke Vlachovsky’s coaching licence.
Background & Context: Prior Conviction and Abuse Pattern
Between 2019 and 2023 Vlachovsky placed a miniature camera in his backpack and recorded at least 14 female players, ages 17 to 25, while they changed and showered. He was arrested in 2023; a Czech court awarded 20,000 CZK ($940) in compensation to 13 players. In May 2025 a criminal court, without a public hearing, convicted him of possessing child-sexual-abuse material, imposed a suspended one-year prison sentence and a five-year domestic coaching ban. He had previously coached the Czech Under-19 women’s national team and spent nearly 15 years at 1 FC Slovacko.
Timeline of Key Developments
- 2019-2023 – Secret recordings of players in locker rooms.
- 2023 – Arrest and initial compensation award to 13 players.
- May 2025 – Criminal conviction, suspended sentence, five-year ban.
- April 2026 – CAFH (Czech players’ union) submits proposals for new disciplinary regulations.
- 19 May 2026 – UEFA imposes lifetime ban and requests FIFA-wide enforcement.
Data & Statistics: Scope of Abuse and Penalties
- Recorded players: reported as 14 (Guardian, ESPN) and 15 (The Athletic).
- Victim ages: youngest 17, oldest 25.
- Compensation: 20,000 CZK to 13 players.
- Criminal penalty: suspended one-year prison, five-year domestic ban.
- UEFA sanction: lifetime ban from all football-related activity.
Official Statements & Responses
UEFA’s CEDB said the sanction “reinforces that abusive and inappropriate behaviour has no place in football.” FIFPRO welcomed the decision, stating it “sends a strong and necessary message that safeguarding the wellbeing of players must remain a priority at every level.” A FIFA spokesperson affirmed that “any allegation of misconduct is taken extremely seriously” and that a clear reporting process exists. The Czech federation (FACR) declined comment after UEFA’s ruling.
Criticism & Opposition: Player Voices and Union Proposals
Former Slovacko player Kristýna Janku urged “don’t be silent…don’t let him coach again.” Alena Pecková described lasting anxiety, saying she constantly checked for hidden cameras in public spaces. The Czech players’ union CAFH called for broader sanctions and submitted proposals to amend the federation’s disciplinary code on sexual abuse and abuse of position.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of victims—14, 15, or 13 players are cited. The criminal court’s decision was issued without a public hearing, leaving details of evidence undisclosed. UEFA’s request to FIFA for a worldwide ban remains pending, and FACR’s capacity to enforce further sanctions is unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Despite the fact that it’s non-contact sexual abuse, it’s still sexual abuse. That helps players and everyone be aware of its severity.” — Barbara Mere Carrion, FIFPRO legal counsel
- “This outcome sends a strong and necessary message that abusive and inappropriate behavior has no place in football and that safeguarding the wellbeing of players must remain a priority at every level of the game,” — FIFPRO statement
- “Don’t be afraid to solve the problem, don’t be silent about it. When something like that happens, don’t let him coach again.” — Kristýna Janku, former 1 FC Slovacko player
- “ Alena Pecková added: “Wherever I went, whether it was a public gym or another environment, a warning light would go off in my head and I would keep checking to see if there was a camera somewhere.” — Alena Pecková, former player
What’s Next: Global Enforcement and Policy Reform
UEFA’s letter to FIFA seeks an international extension of the lifetime ban. CAFH’s regulatory proposals are under review by the Czech federation. Ongoing monitoring of implementation will determine whether the case leads to broader safeguarding reforms across European football.
