The Brazilian club Santos announced on Monday the resignation of the coach of its women’s football team, Kleiton Lima, after a protest movement against this former coach accused of sexual and moral harassment by several players last year. “To preserve his family, his integrity and the Santos club itself, Kleiton Lima has submitted his resignation,” explained the team from the state of Sao Paulo (southeast) in a press release.
“Since his recruitment, he has been the target of criticism and even death threats in recent days, due to accusations dating from last year,” said the club where “King” Pelé shone. Kleiton Lima, 49, left Santos last September, when the club’s management received 19 anonymous letters from players accusing him of “moral and sexual harassment”.
The coach, who maintains his innocence, regained his position at the beginning of April, with the club affirming that these accusations had not been proven. Her return sparked a wave of protests from players from several teams last weekend, during the fifth day of the Brazilian championship.
DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST HARASSMENT AND SILENCE.
In the classic between @SereiasDaVila e @SCCPFutFeminino which marks the return of coach Kleiton Lima to Santos, the Corinthians players protested against the silencing of 19 complaints made by athletes against the coach. pic.twitter.com/911klf4qQd
— Dibradoras (@dibradoras) April 12, 2024
The players of Atlético Mineiro and América Mineiro posed together in a photo in which they covered their mouths, before the start of their disputed match in the municipality of Contagem. Atletico Mineiro defender Layza, holder of No. 19, was notably photographed with her back turned and a player from America Mineiro lifted the club jersey bearing the same number.
Kleiton Lima coached Santos three times (1999-2010, 2022-2023, return in 2024) and notably won two national championships (2007 and 2009) and two Copa Libertadores (2009 and 2010). He was also coach of the Brazilian women’s national team, with whom he won the Copa America in 2010 and played in the 2011 World Cup.
