Coach banned by Fifa for abuse continues training young players in DRC

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 7:00 AM

Last updated Aug 13, 2026

Coach banned by Fifa for abuse continues training young players in DRC

Summary

Jonathan Bukabakwa, a coach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is still working with youth teams despite a 20-year ban imposed by Fifa in March 2023 for sexually abusing a minor. Bukabakwa, also known as Messi, was fined 100,000 Swiss francs after a Fifa investigation confirmed the abuse. He had previously faced conviction for similar offenses in the DRC and was released from prison last year. This situation highlights ongoing flaws in Fifa's safeguarding processes regarding youth coaches.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Bukabakwa was banned for 20 years by Fifa for sexual abuse.
•He continues to coach youth players in DRC despite the ban.
•Fifa's investigation also resulted in a fine of 100,000 Swiss francs.
•He was convicted of similar offenses prior to his Fifa ban.
•His continued involvement with youth teams questions Fifa's safeguarding effectiveness.

Latest Updates

7:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Coach in DR Congo banned by Fifa for 20 years for sexual abuse still training young players

What they're saying

"
Jonathan Bukabakwa released from prison last year Case highlights flaws in Fifa’s safeguarding processes A coach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was banned from football for 20 years by Fifa in March 2023 for sexual abuse of a minor is continuing to take charge of young players, the Guardian can reveal. Jonathan Bukabakwa, who is known as Messi and previously coached youth teams in the Limpopo and Malabo regions, was also fined 100,000 Swiss francs after a Fifa investigation found him of guilty of sexual abuse. He had also been convicted of similar offences by authorities in the DRC but was released from prison last year. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Ed Aarons and Romain Molina

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