ABUSE
IN FOOTBALL
SPEAK UP!
Protect Yourself.
You are not alone.
PASP is here for you!
1
STOP & RECOGNISE
What is abuse in football?
Abuse is any behaviour that:
- makes you feel afraid
- humiliates you
- controls you
- makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Especially when it comes from a position of power (coach, official, agent, doctor, club staff).
If something doesn’t feel right, it deserves attention.
2
WHAT ABUSE
CAN LOOK LIKE
Abuse is not only physical.
It can be:
- Sexual harassment or sexual abuse
- Psychological pressure, threats, humiliation
- “Jokes”, comments or insinuations
- Financial exploitation
- Grooming (gradual manipulation)
- Messages, images, social media
Just because “it has always been like this” does not mean it is acceptable
3
WHY PLAYERS
DON’T SPEAK UP
Common fears:
- “I will lose my place in the team”
- “They will terminate my contract”
- “Nobody will believe me”
- “I will become the problem”
These fears are understandable.
But silence protects abuse — not you.
4
WHY SPEAKING UP MATTERS
By speaking up, you:
- rotect yourself
- protect other players
- stop abuse from continuing
- gain support and options
You do NOT need:
- proof
- to be 100% certain
- to go straight to the police
You can simply ask for help.
5
WHERE YOU CAN TURN
You always have options:
POLICE
- when a crime has occurred
- immediate danger
- minors involved
PASP – Players’ Union
- confidential
- no pressure
- legal and psychological support
You can contact both. PASP can support and accompany you.
6
HOW YOU CAN SPEAK UP
You can contact PASP:
- by email
- by text message
- by phone
- in person
No formal wording is required.
It is enough to say:
“I need help / something is not right”
You decide:
- what to say
- when
- how far to go
