Women's soccer coach accused of sexual harassment in Brazil resigns after protests

SAO PAULO (AP) — The male coach of a Brazilian women’s soccer team resigned on Monday after accusations against him of sexual harassment drew league-wide protests.

Kleiton Lima left Santos club in September when the accusations were brought to light by media. He was restored as the women’s coach on April 2 when Santos officials said they found no evidence of wrongdoing.

But, since Friday, players across the league protested his return, and Santos said in a statement on Monday that Lima made “a personal decision” to leave to “protect his family, his integrity and the club.”

“The coach has been under fire and has received death threats in recent days due to the accusations made last year. Even though he is sure he did not commit any of the actions he is accused of, Kleiton Lima understood his request to step aside is the best option for the preservation of all the parties involved.”