Gabon’s former under-17 coach, Patrick Assoumou Eyi, is facing charges of raping minors and sexual assault.
The authorities continue to investigate allegations of widespread abuse in the country.
The coach who is also known as ‘Capello’ could get up to 30 years in prison if found guilty of the charges that could also include attempted rape rape on minors and endangering the life of another.
Eyi was arrested on 21 December after accusations by alleged victims were reported by Guardian.
There are other coaches too who face similar charges – Tout Puissant Akwembé’s Orphee Mickala and Triphel Mabicka from Libreville’s Moussavou FC.
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The Gabonese sports industry has been shaken by such revelations of paedophilia committed by coaches in several domains. There have also been other cases in Taekwondo where coach Martin Avera, aka Master Chaka, has also been arrested on suspicion of paedophilia and is also expected to be charged.
The charges have been tarnishing the image of Gabonese people and has led to an open investigation into all the country’s sports sectors.
Source: Guardian