Female footballers across Europe, including in Hungary, are raising their voices against abuse, harassment and discrimination within the game. Coaches and staff — the very people meant to protect players — are too often the ones responsible for behaviour that leaves lasting physical and psychological scars.
What abuse and harassment can look like
In football, abuse doesn’t always mean bruises. It can be words, pressure, threats or discrimination. Examples include:
- Emotional abuse: Humiliating players in front of teammates, threatening to cut them from the squad if they refuse inappropriate demands, or deliberately isolating them.
- Sexual harassment: Unwanted touching, sexually suggestive comments, or pressuring players into sexual favours in exchange for playing time.
- Physical abuse: Forcing athletes to train or compete while injured, or punishing them with unsafe physical drills.
- Discrimination: Giving men’s teams better buses, gyms and medical staff while women are left with inadequate resources.
“These behaviours aren’t just bad coaching — they are violations of basic rights and trust,” a Silent Whistle spokesperson said.
FIFA and UEFA rules
Both FIFA and UEFA treat abuse, harassment and discrimination as serious safeguarding issues. They require all member associations and clubs to:
Provide safe reporting channels for players.
Educate staff and coaches on safeguarding responsibilities.
Guarantee zero tolerance for discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
UEFA’s safeguarding toolkit and FIFA’s
“Guardians” programme both stress that protecting athletes is not optional — it is mandatory.
The Hungarian legal framework
In Hungary, the law recognises offences such as zaklatás (harassment), sexual exploitation and physical assault. While victims may sometimes have to bring private charges, these acts are punishable under the Penal Code. Clubs are also expected to follow EU and Council of Europe child-safeguarding guidance in sports.
Real-life examples
- A promising striker told she’d only start in the first team if she “does a favour” for her coach.
- An injured midfielder forced into punishing drills until her condition worsened.
- A goalkeeper sidelined after reporting harassment, excluded from travel and rumours spread against her.
- A women’s side forced to train with outdated equipment while the men’s squad enjoyed modern facilities.
Each of these is a breach of safeguarding rules — and in many cases, a violation of law.
“You are not alone”
Silent Whistle (SW), a platform for female footballers, is encouraging players who have suffered to come forward. Reports can be submitted anonymously and securely.
“If you’ve been abused, harassed, or discriminated against in football, you are not alone,” Silent Whistle said. “You can tell your story on your own terms. We are here to listen, guide and support.”
Players or witnesses can contact SW confidentially through encrypted email at tisztameccs@proton.me