Jonathan Bukabakwa, banned by Fifa for 20 years over the sexual abuse of a minor, is still coaching young players in DR Congo, raising questions about the enforcement of the governing body's safeguarding measures.
Key facts
- Jonathan Bukabakwa was banned from football for 20 years by Fifa in March 2023 for the sexual abuse of a minor.
- He was also fined 100,000 Swiss francs following a Fifa investigation.
- Bukabakwa had been convicted of similar offences by DRC authorities but was released from prison last year.
- The Guardian reports he is still taking charge of young players.
- He previously coached youth teams in the Limpopo and Malabo regions and is known as 'Messi'.
A coach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was banned from football for 20 years by Fifa for the sexual abuse of a minor is continuing to take charge of young players, according to the Guardian.
Jonathan Bukabakwa, who is known as Messi, was banned by Fifa in March 2023 following an investigation that found him guilty of sexually abusing a minor. The same investigation resulted in a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs.
Bukabakwa previously coached youth teams in the Limpopo and Malabo regions. The Guardian reports that he is still working with young players despite the lengthy Fifa ban that remains in place.
Beyond the Fifa sanction, Bukabakwa had also been convicted of similar offences by authorities in the DRC. However, according to the Guardian, he was released from prison last year.
The case, as reported by the Guardian, highlights flaws in Fifa’s safeguarding processes, illustrating the gap between disciplinary decisions handed down by the governing body and their enforcement on the ground.
The continued involvement of a banned individual in training young players underscores concerns about how sanctions are monitored and upheld at local and regional levels.
Why it matters
The case exposes a gap between Fifa's disciplinary decisions and their real-world enforcement, raising concerns about the safety of children involved in football. When bans and criminal convictions fail to keep offenders away from young players, the credibility of safeguarding systems is called into question.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Jonathan Bukabakwa?
He is a coach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as Messi, who previously coached youth teams in the Limpopo and Malabo regions. He was banned from football for 20 years by Fifa in March 2023 for the sexual abuse of a minor.
What penalties did Fifa impose on him?
Fifa banned him from football for 20 years in March 2023 and fined him 100,000 Swiss francs after its investigation found him guilty of sexual abuse of a minor.
Was he also convicted in the DRC?
Yes. According to the Guardian, he was convicted of similar offences by authorities in the DRC but was released from prison last year.