A women’s football coach who filmed his players undressing without their knowledge has been handed a lifetime ban.
Petr Vlachovsky was head coach at 1. FC Slovacko when he was given a suspended one-year prison sentence and five-year coaching ban in the Czech Republic last year after being convicted of filming 15 players between 2019 and 2023.
The Athletic report Vlachovsky, 42, used a camera hidden in his backpack to film his players, the youngest of which was aged 17, showering and changing in dressing rooms after training and matches.
He was arrested in September 2023 after police found the recorded footage online. Vlachovsky was also found in possession of child sexual abuse material.
Love football?
Our seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we’ve got everything you need to know. Sign up now.
On Tuesday, UEFA announced its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) found Vlachovsky had breached regulations relating to bringing the game into disrepute and violations of ‘the basic rules of decent conduct,’ issuing a lifetime ban on all football-related activity.
European football’s governing body has also written to Fifa, requesting the ban be extended globally.
Leading players’ union Fifpro said in a statement: ‘FIFPRO and FIFPRO Europe welcomes UEFA’s decision to impose a lifetime ban on former 1. FC Slovacko women’s head coach Petr Vlachovsky from all football-related activity.
‘This outcome sends a strong and necessary message that abusive and inappropriate behaviour has no place in football and that safeguarding the wellbeing of players must remain a priority at every level of the game.
‘FIFPRO and its member unions have been actively pushing for decisive action to prevent and address all forms of abuse, harassment and misconduct in football, including non-contact sexual abuse, and have consistently advocated for stronger protections and accountability mechanisms across the game.
‘Players must be able to work and compete in environments where they feel safe, respected and protected from abuse, harassment and misconduct. Decisions such as this are an important step towards ensuring that individuals who violate those standards are removed from the game.
‘FIFPRO and FIFPRO Europe commends the players’ union in Czechia for its commitment and persistence in supporting those affected throughout this process, as well as the courage of the players who came forward and spoke out.
‘We also welcome UEFA’s request for FIFA to extend the ban worldwide and for the Football Association of the Czech Republic to revoke Mr Vlachovsky’s coaching licence. Football has a collective responsibility to create and maintain safe workplaces for players, and FIFPRO will continue working alongside unions, governing bodies and stakeholders to strengthen safeguards and support for all players.’