UEFA Hands Coach Lifetime Football Ban

By Eppe Franklyne

UEFA has imposed a lifetime suspension on Czech women’s football coach Petr Vlachovsky after he secretly recorded players in changing rooms, according to an announcement made on Tuesday.

Reports in Czech media stated that Petr Vlachovsky was convicted in May 2025. He initially received a suspended one-year prison sentence along with a five-year domestic coaching ban. Authorities found that he filmed female players at FC Slovacko, including one player who was only 17 years old.

The UEFA lifetime ban followed an investigation by UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body. The organisation confirmed that it had appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to examine allegations of misconduct before reaching its final decision.

In its statement, UEFA said the ruling prevents Vlachovsky “from exercising any football-related activity for life”. The governing body also requested that FIFA extend the punishment worldwide and urged the Football Association of the Czech Republic to remove his coaching licence permanently.

The UEFA lifetime ban received support from global players’ union FIFPRO. The organisation praised UEFA’s action and described the punishment as a strong message against abusive behaviour in football.

FIFPRO added that protecting players and ensuring their wellbeing must remain a top priority throughout the sport. The union also stressed that inappropriate conduct should never be tolerated at any level of the game.

Before the scandal emerged, Vlachovsky had also worked as coach of the Czech women’s Under-19 national team.

Do you think football authorities are doing enough to protect players from misconduct in sport?