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Discover the stories of five African footballers accused of rape, later cleared in court, and how they rebuilt their careers.
Not a year goes by without a high-profile footballer being accused of either rape or sexual assault.
African footballers have not been exempt from such accusations. However, many times, the players involved are cleared in court, either due to lack of evidence, inconsistencies in the case, or their innocence being proven beyond doubt.
Pulse Sports takes a closer look at five African footballers who were accused of rape but later acquitted of the charges.
How these 5 African footballers cleared their names after rape allegations
1. Frediric Kanoute (Mali)
Malian footballer Frederic Kanoute, who played for clubs like Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur, found himself embroiled in a rape accusation during the height of his career. Known for his grace on the pitch and his charitable work off it, Kanoute's reputation was severely tested when he was accused of sexual misconduct in 2005 while playing in Spain.
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The case against Kanoute eventually fell apart due to insufficient evidence. Witnesses and forensic details did not match the complainant's account, and the court dropped the charges.
Kanoute was cleared of all allegations, but the media circus around the case took a toll on his image. Though he was innocent, the ordeal highlighted how even a baseless accusation can affect an athlete's career.
The exoneration allowed Kanoute to continue his distinguished career, eventually winning the African Player of the Year in 2007.
2. Quinton Fortune (South Africa)
South African footballer Quinton Fortune, best known for his time at Manchester United, faced rape accusations during his tenure in England.
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In 2004, a woman accused Fortune of sexual assault after an encounter at a nightclub in London. The footballer vehemently denied the charges, stating that the encounter was consensual.
The case was taken to court, but after a lengthy trial, the jury found that there was insufficient evidence to convict the player. Fortune was acquitted of all charges, with the court ruling that there was no solid proof to support the accusation. The media had a field day during the trial, but after the acquittal, Fortune returned to football.
While Fortune's career was not irreparably damaged, the incident served as a harsh reminder of the precarious nature of a footballer’s public image. Despite being cleared of all wrongdoing, the accusation remained a blip on Fortune's otherwise illustrious career.
3.Yannick Kamanan (Togo)
Togolese footballer Yannick Kamanan,who played for various European clubs, faced one of the toughest battles of his career off the pitch.
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In 2012, Kamanan was accused of raping a woman in France after a night out. The player, who had always maintained a relatively low profile, was suddenly thrust into the media spotlight.
Kamanan denied the charges from the outset, asserting that the allegations were false and that no crime had taken place. After a detailed investigation, the case was thrown out by the French court. The evidence presented by the accuser was found to be inconsistent and unreliable, leading to Kamanan's acquittal.
Though Kamanan was eventually cleared, the impact of the accusation lingered. The ordeal affected his club career and personal life, illustrating how damaging false allegations can be, even after a player’s innocence is proven.
4. Didier Zokora (Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast midfielder Didier Zokora, a key player for clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Sevilla, was accused of rape in 2011.
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The incident was alleged to have occurred during his time in Turkey, where Zokora was playing for Trabzonspor. The accusation came as a shock to his fans and teammates, given Zokora’s reputation for being a disciplined and hardworking footballer.
The case went to trial, but the evidence against Zokora was weak. The alleged victim’s testimony was found to be inconsistent, and crucial forensic evidence failed to link Zokora to the crime. After a thorough investigation, Zokora was exonerated, and the charges were dropped.
Despite being cleared, Zokora faced intense media scrutiny throughout the ordeal. He later spoke about the emotional toll the case had on him and his family.
After his acquittal, Zokora continued his football career, but the incident highlighted the challenges athletes face when their personal lives are thrust into the spotlight.
5. Ousmane Dabo (Senegal)
Senegalese footballer Ousmane Dabo, known for his stints with clubs like Lazio and Manchester City, was accused of sexual assault in 2007. The allegations came as a shock to Dabo, who had built a reputation as a calm and composed player both on and off the pitch.
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Dabo was accused of raping a woman after an encounter in Italy, but he maintained his innocence from the start. The case quickly gained media attention, particularly in Italy, where Dabo was a well-known figure.
However, after a thorough legal process, the charges were dismissed due to lack of evidence. The court found that the accuser's story was inconsistent and that there was no conclusive proof that a crime had taken place.
The ordeal was a challenging period for Dabo, but his acquittal allowed him to continue his career with his reputation largely intact. He later went on to play in the United States before retiring from professional football.
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