A Zimbabwean coach has now responded to claims that he falsified details about his trip to FC Barcelona's Innovation Hub.
In 2023, former Zimbabwean footballer Marshall Machazani travelled to the city of Barcelona in Spain, where he appeared to have attended the premises of Barca's Innovation Hub and participated in their coaching programmes.
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However, the institution later accused Machazani of falsely suggesting that he had participated in any of their coaching programmes.
The renowned Barcelona Innovation Hub conducted an investigation into the matter based on visa records and other documentation. They found that Machazani was only in the city for one week and had not participated in any in-person coaching programmes.
Machazani is also believed to have claimed to have met Blaugrana striker Robert Lewandowski, a claim the organisation deemed "unfounded".
"We take great pride in our academy's reputation for excellence, and it's disappointing to see individuals seeking to exploit that reputation for personal gain," the Barcelona Innovation Hub said in a statement, according to Bulawayo24.
Machazani has now addressed the controversy, explaining that he was merely on holiday but took an interest in their online coaching courses.
"I do acknowledge that I was in Spain for a vacation, and it was private," Machazani told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
"While I was there, I liked how they do their things at Barcelona. I then decided to take up a coaching course with their Innovation Hub after the Barcelona tour. The three courses were How to Train, The Basics of Our Style of Play, and What to Train.
"I did these online and attained the certificates between July–December 2023. Everything that was published after my Barcelona trip was just a domino effect."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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