Petr Vlachovsky, who coached the 1. FC Slovacko women's team for nearly 15 years, received a lifetime ban from football-related activities by UEFA on May 20, 2026, following revelations he secretly filmed 14 female players in changing rooms and showers over four years [1, 2, 3]. UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body imposed the ban and requested FIFA extend it worldwide [2, 3, 4].

Vlachovsky first came under suspicion when police arrested him in September 2023 after discovering secretly filmed footage online. The players only learned about the recordings after his arrest, causing trauma and anxiety among the victims [1, 5]. The hidden camera was placed inside a backpack, and the youngest player filmed was 17 years old [1, 6].

In May 2025, a Czech court convicted Vlachovsky, now 42, for secretly filming the players. He was sentenced to a suspended one-year prison term and given a five-year domestic coaching ban. The Czech Football Association was ordered to revoke his coaching license [1, 2, 6, 3, 4, 5]. Additionally, Vlachovsky was found in possession of child sexual abuse material [1, 6].

Vlachovsky had previously coached the Czech Republic women's Under-19 team and was once voted the best women's coach in the country [1, 2]. FC Slovacko terminated its cooperation with Vlachovsky immediately after the allegations surfaced in 2023 and cooperated fully with authorities. A club spokesperson described the case as "deeply serious and distressing," emphasizing respect for those affected [4].

The player union FIFPRO welcomed UEFA's lifetime ban and the request for FIFA to enforce a global ban. FIFPRO stated that "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" [2]. FIFPRO Secretary General Alex Phillips called the case "the tip of the iceberg" and noted that many players are unsure how to report concerns [6].

UEFA's decision on May 20, 2026, sets a precedent for strict disciplinary action within football organizations worldwide [2, 3, 4].