Kleiton Lima resigns as Santos manager amid harassment allegations

Kleiton Lima, a former coach of the Brazilian women's national football team, has resigned as manager of Santos following player protests over allegations of harassment. The controversy stems from accusations made last year when 19 anonymous letters were sent to the club, accusing Lima of sexual harassment and abusive behavior. Despite denying the claims, Santos reinstated Lima after an internal investigation found no evidence to support the allegations.

Player protests during pre-match ceremonies, including covering their mouths and ears, highlighted the discontent with Santos's decision to re-hire Lima. Teams like Corinthians expressed their disapproval by making symbolic gestures or wearing jerseys with the number 19 facing away from the camera, referencing the 19 letters condemning Lima.

In response to mounting pressure and threats, Lima chose to resign to protect his family, integrity, and the club. The 49-year-old, who had a successful coaching career with Santos and the Brazilian national team, faced intense scrutiny and backlash since his re-hiring.

Lima's coaching achievements, including leading Santos to two Copa Libertadores titles and two league championships, have been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the harassment allegations. The football community's strong reaction to his resignation underscores the importance of addressing misconduct and ensuring a safe environment for players in the sport.