UEFA decision to impose lifetime ban on former 1. FC Slovacko women's head coach Petr Vlachovsky

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.