Chilean football federation orders club to act on rights violation claims in youth team

Chile's National Professional Football Association (ANFP) has formally directed O'Higgins FC to activate specific protocols after learning of a complaint alleging rights violations within the club's under-20 squad. The directive comes after O'Higgins, based in Rancagua, had already begun its own internal procedures upon becoming aware of the situation. The club subsequently dismissed an employee and initiated legal proceedings by filing a lawsuit.

According to the ANFP's statement, the football governing body acted immediately upon receiving the information. It has instructed the club to implement Decree N°22, which outlines the general protocol for preventing and sanctioning "conducts of harassment, sexual abuse, discrimination, and mistreatment in national sports activities." The ANFP emphasized that this action is in full compliance with established protocols for such cases.

Furthermore, the ANFP has requested that O'Higgins FC provide a detailed account of the situation to its Board of Directors. The objective is to ensure that "all protective measures are taken immediately" and that a comprehensive "action plan is developed for the full clarification of the facts and the determination of those responsible." The ANFP also solicited information from the club regarding the steps taken to date.