After the suspension of Brazil’s football association boss Rogerio Caboclo for a month, Brazilian team players around superstar Marta protested against sexual harassment. “Every day, thousands of people are subjected to moral and sexual harassment and are disregarded, especially we women,” said a text that was published in social networks by Marta and Formiga on Friday, among others. The name Caboclo was not mentioned.
Saying no to sexual harassment goes beyond words and the lawn, it is about deeds. “We urge men and women to name this.” Before a friendly against Russia (3-0) for the Tokyo Olympics on Friday in Spain, the Brazilian team unfurled a banner that read “No to Harassment”.
“This was a joint decision,” Marta told the Brazilian broadcaster “TV Globo” about the team's positioning. “To operate without prejudice, but the facts are on the table to be investigated.”
Caboclo is forced to suspend office for 30 days on charges of sexual harassment. According to a media report, he should have asked an employee about her sex life and insulted her. He also tried to control their relationships with other employees and their clothing style.
“The allegations are very serious,” said Brazil's Swedish coach Pia Sundhage in a press conference ahead of the game on Friday. The allegations had shaken the players.
