“I only accompanied him to practice”
A young Moroccan football trainer’s early life in Catalonia is told through a path that began in youth teams and local clubs. He spent his formative years with several Catalan outfits, including Molins de Rei and Fontsanta from Cornellà de Llobregat, and his dream of representing Morocco, his country of origin, eventually led him to move to Spain. In 2008 he settled in Sant Joan Despí, where his ascent as a striker seemed on track until a sequence of events challenged his career. An allegation of persistent misconduct emerged after his coach, Francisco R., publicly raised concerns about ongoing infractions. This eruption of controversy coincided with a rapid withdrawal from football and a retreat from stadium life. Messages on a mobile device and accounts provided by psychologists later connected the accused to the broader sequence of events. One message, sent by the complainant, stated, “I see you as a rapist.” The defendant’s reply was, “I understand that you hate me.” According to those involved, these WhatsApp exchanges appear to be a form of revenge following the disclosure within the family that the young person had a boyfriend after a prior suicide attempt.
Psychologists observed that the victim exhibited symptoms that they described as mild yet consistent with a lived experience of prolonged sexual assault. The prosecutor sought 17 years in prison for the defendant, covering charges of rape and money laundering, while the defense maintained that no sexual intercourse occurred with the girl. Experts noted a pattern often seen in such cases: a minor acted upon by a trusted adult or guardian figure, with coercive tactics used to extract allegations. Alleged sexual assaults were said to have occurred over a span from 2013 to 2014, with the victim attempting suicide twice in 2015. The judge’s notes reflected the gravity of the situation and the long shadow it cast on the young person’s life.
The victim’s fluctuating emotions toward the alleged aggressor were described as part of a broader struggle to adapt to a difficult situation in order to survive. Psychologists highlighted that the girl did not receive adequate family support and that she often found herself isolated, partly due to language barriers. In those early stages, experts indicated that the defendant was considered credible and reliable, which complicated the decision to come forward with a report.
“I only accompanied him to practice”
The defense, represented by Francisco R., asserted that the alleged offenses cited by the prosecution did not take place in a home setting and that there was no sexual intercourse with the victim. He claimed he was never the girl’s legal guardian and that his involvement was restricted to accompanying her to training sessions. He described a home environment that was hostile toward the Moroccan teenager, mentioning attempts by others to push him away, even suggesting he should either stay in Spain or leave. He portrayed his role as a supportive figure during a challenging time, insisting that he did not want to burden the young person with his presence and that his only aim was to help.
The defendant offered explanations for certain calls that contained sexual content, arguing that his intent was to calm the girl and that they met in person the following day. He recalled a hospital visit connected to a suicide attempt during which he told the Moroccan family of the young person that he had a boyfriend, a revelation that allegedly triggered a broader emotional reaction within the family. The defendant stated that he could not lie any longer, and he described a subsequent breakdown in the relationship between him and the victim. At that point, the young person’s sister was involved in a dispute, and she allegedly warned that the life of the defendant would be harmed in return. The defendant estimated he had sent the girl ten to twelve messages per day during the period of strain.
In closing, prosecutors emphasized that the girl’s account remained consistent, underscoring the level of detail and precision that supported her testimony. They argued that the relationship was marked by a dynamic of control and trust that enabled the alleged abuse to occur. The court faced a difficult task in weighing the testimony and the competing narratives.
This case continues to illustrate the complexities surrounding allegations of sexual violence involving individuals who occupy positions of trust with minors. It also reflects the profound impact such events can have on the lives of those involved, including families and communities already navigating language and cultural differences. The proceedings highlight the ongoing need for careful, evidence-based evaluation and the sensitive handling of victims who may struggle to seek help in the face of stigma or fear.