Czech coach banned for life by UEFA following hidden camera case

UEFA has imposed a lifetime ban on Petr Vlachovsky, a Czech women’s football coach, after finding him guilty of serious misconduct involving the secret filming of players in changing rooms.

The governing body’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary division said on Tuesday (19 May) it had banned Vlachovsky “from exercising any football-related activity for life” following an investigation into allegations of abusive behaviour.

UEFA also requested that FIFA extend the sanction worldwide and asked the Football Association of the Czech Republic to revoke his coaching licence.

Criminal conviction and domestic ban

According to Czech media reports cited in the case, Vlachovsky was convicted in May 2025 and received a suspended one-year prison sentence, along with a five-year domestic coaching ban.

He was found to have secretly filmed players at FC Slovacko, including in changing room areas, with the youngest victim reported to be 17.

Reports said he confessed during proceedings and expressed regret.

FC Slovacko said the club acted immediately after the allegations emerged in 2023, terminating his employment and cooperating fully with authorities.

“This is a deeply serious and distressing matter… affecting the players involved,” a club spokesperson said.

The club added it had treated the case with “utmost seriousness, sensitivity and respect” and had no further contact with the former coach.

Football bodies react

Global players’ union FIFPRO welcomed UEFA’s decision, saying the ruling sent “a strong and necessary message” that abusive conduct has no place in football.

UEFA said the sanction followed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector’s investigation into potential misconduct, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding players’ wellbeing.

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