Alex Ambrose, assistant coach of the India U-17 Women’s Team, has reportedly been sent back to India in the middle of the team’s tour to Italy and Norway after alleged misconduct, involving one of the players in the team.
Sources close to the team confirmed this development while also adding that verbal complaints had previously been filed against the coach from members of different batches of the Indian national women’s teams.
While Ambrose was in the team photograph ahead of their first match in Italy, he was not to be seen in the picture of the team that reached Norway.
The incident came to light after the roommate of the player in question informed a staff member of her absence. A source in the know stated that when it was brought to coach Thomas Dennerby’s notice, the staff decided to check with Ambrose.
Ambrose initially denied his involvement, but sources said that incriminating photographs and chats were found in the mobile phone of the minor.
While Ambrose has been sent back to India, the psychologist with the team has been directed to speak with the player and prepare a report on the incident.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has been asked for a statement on Ambrose’s departure and any previous complaints that were filed with the federation. The story will be updated as and when a response is received.
This report was compiled by Abreshmina S Quadri and Arka Bhattacharya
The section below deals with the reactions, opinions and updates in the aftermath of the reported story
Abreshmina and Philarima in conversation with Injury Time
The AIFF has released a statement following the publishing of this article
The Association of Indian Football Coaches released a statement on social media
The State FAs have issued a statement
Member Associations in one voice condemn the immoral action of the coach and make a sincere request to COA and AIFF Administration to initiate an independent enquiry after filing an FIR. State Associations would like to recommend stringent action including legal and exemplary punishment with a life ban from football and even canceling his coaching licenses.
State Associations also resolved to request COA and AIFF Administration to urgently appoint a Woman Safety Officer with immediate effect to instill confidence in the system for women players and women working in football, especially with national teams and in AIFF house.
State FAs also expressed their no-confidence in the working of National Team department as since AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 one or the other issues have badly hit the reputation of Indian football. An independent enquiry should be conducted in the management and functioning of the National Team department especially the decisions and actions of the Head of National Team Department should be thoroughly probed to establish the frequent failures including the appointment of the coaches and scouts in AIFF.
Member Associations also like to make a sincere request to COA and AIFF Administration that all male support staff with women teams should be replaced by the female support staff as early as possible.
Dr S.Y. Quraishi, CoA posted on social media that Alex Ambrose has been sacked
“Sacked India U-17 women football team’s assistant coach Alex Ambrose has been asked to appear before the AIFF’s internal complaints committee on Monday. Sources said he is unlikely to attend.“
BFC Players Suresh Wangjam and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu were the first players to speak up
Alex Ambrose fails to appear before AIFF panel
ESPN writes what the AIFF needs to do in the aftermath and how their response so far has been tardy
Alex Ambrose has sent a legal notice to AIFF asking for withdrawal of his termination letter after the federation sacked him for “sexual misconduct.”
Termination not illegal, AIFF replies to Ambrose’s legal notice; Evidence and proof of misconduct was provided to India under-17 women’s team coach, says federation.
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