Santos women’s coach Kleiton Lima resigned on Monday, the Brazilian club confirmed after he faced player protests over harrasment claims.
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Santos women’s coach steps down
Players from Corinthians covered their mouths and ears during the Brazilian national anthem to protest Santos’ decision to rehire Lima.
Other teams posed with the number 19 jersey-wearer’s back turned to the camera — referencing the 19 letters denouncing Lima.
Lima, 49, first stepped down last year after Santos received 19 anonymous letters from players accusing him of sexual harassment and abusive behavior.
Santos, a club made famous by Pele, then reinstated Lima as coach earlier this month following an internal investigation.
The top-flight club added that Lima received death threats over the accusations.
“In order to preserve his family, his integrity and Santos Football Club itself, Kleiton Lima today requested to step down,” the club said in a statement.
“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.”
Lima coached the Brazilian women’s national team at the 2011 World Cup.
He led team to a trophy at the 2010 Copa America.
