In Alicante, a long-time soccer coach, aged 71, faced serious accusations connected to bribery involving minors and the possession of materials related to child exploitation on the internet. The information was confirmed to a local newspaper by sources close to the investigation. The case has drawn widespread attention among the community, given the coach’s extensive history working with young players.
Judicial authorities placed the detainees under the on-duty court’s supervision on Friday. Both individuals were released on probation, yet the 71-year-old father received an interim restraining order at the request of the prosecutor. The order prohibits him from approaching within 500 meters of the Alicante sports facility and any venue where his former team might hold practices or matches in the capital city. The mentors involved have a long association with youth sports, and concerns about safeguarding the participants have been raised by officials and observers alike.
Close observers reported that nearly seventy people were detained in connection with the broader inquiry. The older coach has spent three decades coaching minors and currently held a position as a second coach at a city club. The case has prompted discussions about safeguarding protocols, oversight of volunteers, and the responsibilities of clubs to protect young athletes from potential harm.
Operation
The arrests form part of a centralized effort by a specialized unit to disrupt the distribution of harmful material involving minors. The operations occurred a few days earlier and were carried out by the Alicante Technological Crime Group. Law enforcement investigations indicated that the suspects had accessed and downloaded inappropriate material through an online file-sharing program. After identifying the residence linked to the activity, authorities conducted a search, followed by arrests of the individuals involved.
The coach under scrutiny has denied sharing any child exploitation files, though he acknowledged ownership of such material. Investigators plan to thoroughly examine the seized computer equipment to determine whether the case involves other related offenses and to assess the potential breadth of activity tied to the coach and his son, given the length of time the coach has worked with youth teams. The Provincial Police Station has stated that it will not comment further on aspects of the inquiry at this stage, while emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the focus on safeguarding the young athletes in the region.
Community leaders, club administrators, and families have expressed a desire for transparency and accountability as the case unfolds. They emphasize the need for clear safeguarding guidelines, mandatory reporting channels, and regular training for coaches and staff involved in youth sports. While legal proceedings continue, the broader emphasis remains on protecting children, supporting affected families, and ensuring that sports programs maintain a safe and trusting environment for all participants. Authorities have underscored that every step is taken in accordance with the rule of law and the rights of the individuals involved, while prioritizing the safety and well-being of minors in the community. [Source: Provincial Police Press Office]