Barcelona are looking into allegations against the former director of the club’s youth team who has been accused of sexually abusing his former pupils at a public school.
Catalan newspaper ARA reported that over 60 of his former students have accused Albert Benaiges of having sexually abused them when he was a physical education teacher at a Barcelona public school.
Authorities in northeastern Spain said they were opening an investigation following the report.
ARA said Benaiges has denied any wrongdoing.
“I have never hurt anyone and if I have done it hasn’t been intentionally,” Benaiges told Ara.
“I have an adopted son and four foster children; my conscience is very clear, I have never forced anybody and I have denounced paedophiles.”
Benaiges, 71, worked at Barcelona's youth training academy from 1991-2011, during which Andres Iniesta and Xavi played for the club.
Benaiges returned to Barcelona last year after Joan Laporta became president. The club said he resigned last week for personal reasons.
Laporta said the club was examining the information in relation to the case.
“This man who left the club for personal reasons was hired for his talent at finding players and evaluating the talent of young players,” Laporta said.
“What the club is doing is collecting all the information that is coming out so we can make an official statement.
“I will also say that anyone who tries to link Barcelona to his issue in an improper manner will receive a firm response by the club to defend its legitimate interests.”
At a pre-match news conference Barcelona head coach Xavi said: “I don't have any information that there have been any type of these episodes, although that does not mean that they did not happen.
“He was my coach and I never had any suspicions. I am very surprised and stunned, I didn't expect it.
“This is a very delicate, very complicated issue.”
(Photo: ULISES RUIZ/AFP via Getty Images)
"looking" - Google News
December 12, 2021 at 09:28PM
https://ift.tt/3DQkFxr
Barcelona looking into sexual abuse accusations against former academy director - The Athletic
"looking" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2tdCiJt
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Barcelona looking into sexual abuse accusations against former academy director - The Athletic"
Post a Comment