In 2023, over 300 French coaches, teachers, and sports officials have been accused of sexual abuse or covering up such acts, according to the country’s sports minister. This issue was brought to light four years ago when French skating champion Sarah Abitbol revealed in a book that she was raped as a teenage athlete by her coach. Since then, there have been 1,284 complaints filed against coaches, teachers, and sports officials, resulting in criminal proceedings for 186 individuals and sanctions for 624 others.
Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra presented the latest annual report on the nationwide investigation during a news conference in Paris. She noted that the majority of the victims were women and girls, with 90% of the accused being men. The allegations of abuse included sexual assault, harassment, and violence, affecting various sports federations across the country.
In just one year alone, complaints were filed against 377 individuals in 2023. Of these accused individuals: 36 faced criminal proceedings; 176 were removed from their positions; and ongoing investigations are being conducted at the local level. Abitbol’s case has led to preliminary charges of sexual assault against her former coach Gilles Beyer – an investigation that is still ongoing today.
