Avram Grant, an Israeli coach, is being investigated by FIFA for sexual harassment

After being accused of sexually abusing many women in an investigative report, Avram Grant, the former manager of the Chelsea soccer club and one of the most influential men in Israeli sport, will be examined by FIFA.

On Sunday, Channel 12 TV's "Exposure" show aired a series of interviews with women who claimed Grant had made inappropriate approaches while claiming to help them progress their careers. To protect their identities, the women's voices were changed and their faces were silhouetted.

Grant's enduring prominence in the game was recognised by FIFA in December, when the governing body requested him to coach a FIFA World Legends squad, which included retired legends and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in a match against an Arab Legends team in Qatar.

"Given the nature of the allegations being made, FIFA's ethics committee will look into the matter," FIFA said in a statement to The Associated Press.

"When it comes to misconduct and abuse in football, we wish to reiterate that FIFA takes any allegations reported to it very seriously."  According to the broadcast, Grant, who is 66, tried to kiss and touch the women without their will, coerced them into intercourse, and threatened to destroy their careers if they did not participate.

A newly released soldier, a fashion model, and a female sports broadcaster were among the women who claimed he harassed them via text messages. She claimed that his actions were well-known in the industry.

She met Grant shortly after her discharge from the service in the summer of 2020, according to the former soldier. He invited her to his Tel Aviv flat and offered to help her find work, she alleged.

Grant urged her to take off her clothing shortly after she walked in, she alleged. He approached her and attempted to hug her, despite her claims that he was joking. He did not, according to her, come to a halt.

"He put his hand on my thigh, I remember I immediately moved it," she said.

"After chatting for a few seconds, he grabbed me by the neck, like he was choking me, turned my head to him and tried to forcefully kiss me."

From 2007 to 2008, Grant was the manager of Chelsea, bringing the team to the Champions League finals before losing in a penalty shootout against Manchester United. He has also coached the national teams of Israel and Ghana, as well as Portsmouth and West Ham.

Grant could not be reached for comment right away. However, he told Channel 12 that he has always attempted to treat everyone he meets with respect.

"I never meant to act unfairly or to hurt any woman in any way," he said.

"Anyone who felt uncomfortable or was hurt by me, I'm sorry for that and apologize from the bottom of my heart."