Coach Faces Lifetime Ban for Secretly Filming Female Players
The Czech players’ union is advocating for a lifetime ban in soccer for sexual offenders following a recent scandal involving a former coach. Petr Vlachovsky, previously employed by 1. FC Slovacko, was sentenced to a one-year suspended prison term after it was discovered he secretly filmed female players in changing rooms over four years.
Details of the Case
The case against Vlachovsky came to public attention last month when several players spoke out on the news platform, Seznam. Despite a ruling issued by a criminal judge in 2025, the absence of a public trial meant that the victims could not contest the decision.
- Coach: Petr Vlachovsky
- Team: 1. FC Slovacko
- Crimes: Secretly filming female players
- Duration: Four years of illegal filming
- Sentence: One-year suspended prison sentence
- Coaching Ban: Five-year domestic coaching ban
- Year of Ruling: 2025
- Public Outcry: Started in 2026
Players’ Union Response
The Czech Association of Soccer Players, with support from the global players’ union FIFPRO, is demanding that the Czech Football Association impose a lifetime ban on Vlachovsky and other offenders. The current situation allows him the possibility of returning to coaching in Czechia by 2030 without any legal restrictions on coaching abroad sooner.
Call for Action
FIFPRO expressed its commitment to exploring legal options to secure a global ban for Vlachovsky. They emphasized the importance of player protection against all forms of abuse, including non-contact sexual offenses.
“Victims were denied the chance to participate in a public trial and had no right to appeal what many feel is a slap on the wrist for serious offenses,” FIFPRO stated in a recent post.
Conclusion
The ongoing discussions highlight a critical need for stronger protections within sports to safeguard against abuse. The Czech players’ union is urging immediate action to prevent future incidents and ensure justice for victims.
