Banned until 2048: FIFA punishes Congolese coach again for sexual abuse
The coach's ban has been extended by another five years (Photo: FIFA)
FIFA has extended Congolese coach Jonathan Bukabakwa's ban by another five years after videos emerged showing him coaching children again. The local football federation and the coach's club have also been punished, according to The Guardian.
The coach violated a 20-year ban
In 2023, FIFA banned Jonathan Bukabakwa from coaching for 20 years. The decision came after he was convicted of sexually abusing minors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
However, footage later emerged showing Bukabakwa coaching children again. FIFA subsequently decided to extend his ban by another five years.
The coach himself claimed that he was unaware of the ban because, according to him, he had not received any notifications from international football organizations.
FIFA fines federation and club
In addition to the extended ban, Bukabakwa was fined $15,000.
Financial penalties were also imposed on the Congolese Association Football Federation (FECOFA) and Racing Club Baki, the club Bukabakwa coached. Each organization must pay $50,000.
FIFA also ordered FECOFA to introduce a monitoring program to oversee the activities of football officials and club staff.
The coach served prison time
In 2023, Bukabakwa was sentenced to prison for sexually abusing minors. He was released last year.
Despite the court ruling and FIFA's ban, the coach returned to working with children, prompting the football governing body to take further action.
