The Football Association of Zambia (Faz) has opened an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse in the women's game following various claims on social media, BBC Africa reports.
The social media accounts host claims that members of the women’s national team were victims of sexual abuse by the coaching staff.
"Although we have no record of official complaints from anyone on the allegations, we consider these allegations very serious and have opened an inquiry into the matter," Faz General Secretary Adrian Kashala said in a statement. "We shall collaborate with the Zambia Police Service and other relevant stakeholders in dealing with this matter."
Local football authorities have requested that anyone with any information should 'come forward and report either to Faz or law enforcement agencies'.
The news comes after the Zambian women’s team had a successful season, finishing third in this year’s African Cup of Nations, qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, and winning the Cosafa Women's Championship for the first time.
Zambia is the third African country to probe sexual assault allegations in the last 12 months. In April, five members of Gabon's football community were arrested following allegations made against them of raping and sexually abusing minors. This month, a Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) official was banned from the sport for five years and fined 20,000 Swiss francs for sexually harassing three female referees.