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Football officials sleeping with players is unacceptable

Kiambu
 It has been alleged that a few players were either selected or omitted on the basis of either having had or failed to have sexual relations. Photo: Courtesy

There’s a point that all addicts, be they of drugs or otherwise, reach known as the ‘moment of realisation.’

The point when, amidst the mental fog, a sudden ray of sunshine breaks through to provide clarity. For Harambee Starlets that point came when the selection of players to participate in the foreign tournaments in German and Spain was released.

While millions of Kenyans were still basking in the afterglow of Harambee Starlets qualification into the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in November 2016, a disturbing report started making the rounds on the Internet: ‘Sex for selection into foreign soccer tournaments’.

It has been alleged that a few players were either selected or omitted on the basis of either having had or failed to have sexual relations with the powers that be.

The coach vs player sexual relationship presents an ethical quandary that shouldn’t be taken on a light note. It might be the difference between success and failure.

The recent argument by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Robert Muthomi shows how nonsensical this whole issues is becoming. He opines that two adults having a consensual relationship is fine. The digression is as much as a consensual relationship between a coach and a player isn’t illegal, it’s unethical. Such a player will always be looked upon with distaste as the others feel he or she doesn’t merit being in the squad, whether her selection was justified or not. Such disharmony is unwarranted. The coach will lose the respect of the players hence  affecting the team’s performance.

The Starlets look up to the leadership for guidance and motivation, solicitation for sex. The end result is low morale hence mediocre performances. It will be prudent for the Federation to introduce a code of ethics not only within the Starlets, but the other national teams as well.

To avoid such cases and infringement of human rights on both the players and coaching staff, the leadership of the team should only have a professional relationship with the players. Nothing more, nothing less.

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