April 16 – Santos women’s coach Kleiton Lima has resigned, the Brazilian club confirmed on Monday after protests against his return to management following allegations of sexual harassment.
Lima’s restoration to Santos’ management prompted protests from players from Corinthians, Palmeiras and Avaí who covered their mouths with their hands during the playing of the national anthem in the fifth round of the Brasileirão.
Last September, players had accused Lima of harassment in letters published by Brazilian media giant Globo. He returned to managing the club earlier this month after Santos concluded an investigation together with the police. Lima’s clearance by that investigation was the justification for Thias Picarte, the club’s director of women’s football, and Alexandre Gallo, sporting director, to bring him back.
“In order to preserve his family, his integrity and Santos Football Club itself, Kleiton Lima today requested to step down,” said Santos in a statement.
“Since his appointment, the coach has suffered criticism and in recent days even death threats due to accusations made last year. Even though he is convinced that he has not committed any of the acts he is accused of, Kleiton Lima understood that his request to resign is the best option for all parties.”
After his appointment last week, Gallo said: “The club’s compliance is very strong and rejected any negative situation regarding you (Kleiton Lima). We are very calm about this, about your character, conduct and family. Santos is happy that you are back with us.”
Arguing that the club had a responsibility toward the truth, Picarte added: “We have a responsibility towards the club, athletes and women’s football in the country. The club investigated all the information, an administrative process was opened. I personally, as manager of the department, and as a woman investigated in depth. Not only with people who are here, with athletes who left and nothing has been proven. Weak, fragile arguments that brought an unnecessary stain to Santos. A victorious club in women’s football.”
But ESPN Brasil reported testimonies of players that went beyond what had been written in the letters.
Lima made comments about both the players’ private lives as well as body-shaming them, according to the testimonies.
“There was an athlete observed inside the bathroom. He had never been in there, he saw that she was going in alone, he followed her, opened the door and watched. She was wearing panties and a top. He didn’t close the door and kept looking… He came around, saw her ass and talked about her ass,” said a former player.
“I was on my back on the field and he touched my ass. He said: what about that ass, didn’t you say you were going to lose weight?”
Another said: “Once, he arrived saying he was finished because he had been having sex with his wife all night.”
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