UEFA has handed a lifetime football ban to former Czech women’s football coach Petr Vlachovsky after he was found guilty of secretly filming female players in changing rooms.
According to Czech media reports, Vlachovsky was convicted in May 2025 and received a suspended one-year prison sentence alongside a five-year domestic coaching ban after filming players at FC Slovacko, with reports stating the youngest victim was aged 17.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, UEFA confirmed that its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body had imposed a lifetime suspension from all football-related activities following an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
UEFA also confirmed that it has requested that FIFA extend the sanction worldwide, while ordering the Football Association of the Czech Republic to revoke Vlachovsky’s coaching licence.
Former 1. FC Slovako Women’s coach Petr Vlachovsky has received a lifetime ban from football-related activities by UEFA after filming his players undressing without their knowledge.
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) May 19, 2026
The European football governing body additionally called for FIFA, its global equivalent, to… pic.twitter.com/kE2MMbn8e0
The case has sparked a strong reaction across football, particularly within the women’s game, with global players’ union FIFPRO welcoming the decision.
FIFPRO stated that the outcome sends a clear message that abusive and inappropriate behaviour has no place in football and stressed that safeguarding players’ wellbeing must remain a priority at every level of the sport.
Vlachovsky had previously also served as coach of the Czech Republic women’s Under 19 national team.
Meanwhile, FC Slovacko did not immediately respond to media requests for comment following UEFA’s announcement.
