Athletics Trainer Jailed for Rape and Sexual Assault on Minors in Marseille

The man, coach within the Athletics section of the Marseillais Stade Club (SMUC) stadium, was indicted and placed in pre -trial detention on June 26 for “rape on a 15 -year -old minor, sexual assault on a 15 -year -old minor, rape by person abusing the authority conferred on him by his function and sexual assault by person abusing the authority of the authority”, detailed the prosecution.

“There are several victims,” added the prosecution, without further details.

In a statement sent to AFP, the SMUC indicates that it has been informed, in February 2024, of the “serious facts” accused of its coach, and having “dismissed it without delay of any supervisory function”. The man was also suspended by the athletics federation.

The SMUC, which declares itself “on the side of the victims”, says it has “taken all emergency measures with regard to complainant athletes and other athletes” and opened an “internal investigation”, at the end of which “other people in the athletics section have been suspended”.

The SMUC, stressing having “learned in a very recent way the indictment” of its coach, specifies having been civil party.

Created in 1923, the SMUC, which claims to be the largest omnisport club in the region, has more than 12,000 members and 4,500 licensees in its 18 sports sections.