Daniel Senda: FA bans coach who sexually assaulted two women on course

Former Millwall defender Daniel Senda has been suspended from all football for four years after he sexually assaulted two women on a coaching course.

Senda, 42, who was Charlton Athletic’s assistant manager at the time, claims he has no recollection of the incidents that took place in June 2023 – despite admitting to charges.

A spokesman from the FA said: “Women deserve to be involved in professional football without the fear of any form of abuse. 

“This was a shocking case, and we investigated the very serious allegations as soon as we were made aware of them.”

While socialising in a bar with other course participants during an overseas coaching course, Senda touched both women in an intimate area in separate incidents, according to the BBC.

Both offences took place overseas so the UK authorities had no jurisdiction to take action.

Senda has since apologised for his behaviour.

The FA spokesman said: “We thank the victims for reporting the incidents to us and supporting the investigation through to its conclusion, and we are deeply sorry that they endured such a terrible experience. 

“The behaviour shown by Daniel Senda in June 2023 will not be tolerated. 

“We will investigate all allegations of sexual assault in a football environment which are reported to us.

“We hope that the very lengthy ban serves as a strong deterrent, and a clear signal that women in football will be supported and protected and offenders will be severely punished.”

An independent Regulatory Commission imposed Senda’s four-year sanction following a hearing.

The panel initially wanted to give Senda a six-year ban but it was reduced to four due to his early admission and apology, the BBC reported.

Throughout his career, Senda played 439 matches.

He joined Millwall under Nigel Spackman in 2006 after leaving Wycombe.

He made 87 appearances for the Lions, but a knee injury he suffered on the final day of the 2007 to 2008 season ruled the defender out for 16 months and he left The Den at the end of his deal.

Senda joined Charlton Athletic as an academy coach in the 2021 to 2022 campaign and led the club’s U18 and U21 sides, winning the London Senior Cup following an extra-time win over Haringey Borough.

The 42-year-old was appointed as Charlton’s assistant manager in May but left the club in August after the sacking of head coach Dean Holden.

A spokesman from Charlton Athletic said: “The club were made aware that the FA wished to speak to Daniel Senda regarding a possible breach of regulations when the FA copied a club representative into an email to Daniel Senda on July 20, shortly before the takeover of Charlton by Global Football Partners.

“The communication gave no detail as to the nature of the breach. At no point following that did the FA provide the club with any further information about the breach.

“Daniel Senda was dismissed by the club from his role as Assistant Manager on August 27, 2023.”

Pictured top: Senda was Charlton Athletic’s assistant manager at the time of the offenses (Picture: Keith Gillard)