Scandal in Málaga raises new concerns about child safety in sports clubs. At the center of the controversy is a youth football coach detained on suspicion of sex offenses involving minors. The case has sparked widespread public outcry and questioned the oversight of staff working with children.
The 55-year-old man was arrested after the parents of one of the boys found messages on their son’s phone that alarmed them. The chat with the coach had an unusually close and emotional tone. The family immediately went to the police, setting the investigation in motion.
Investigation and initial findings
During the investigation, authorities learned that the suspect may have engaged in sexual acts with two minors and showed pornographic materials to a third child. All three victims were part of the same football club and trusted their coach. Investigators note that the coach not only kept in touch with the children outside of training but also gave them gifts, which may have helped build their trust.
The club where the detainee worked, Club Deportivo Conejito de Málaga, stated it was unaware of the situation until the arrest occurred. The management expressed support for the families and players involved and stressed their willingness to cooperate with law enforcement. The club’s statement emphasized their full transparency with the police and urged the public to show sensitivity when discussing the matter.
Further steps by the police
Experts are now conducting a thorough analysis of the mobile devices belonging to the detainee and the affected children. The aim is to clarify all the circumstances and identify any additional episodes. Investigators do not rule out the possibility that more families may come forward. In the near future, the suspect will be handed over to the court, where he will face charges under several articles.
Authorities emphasize that such incidents demand special attention and swift response from parents and educators. It is important not only to notice warning signs but also to seek help promptly. Málaga and other cities in the country have previously reported incidents involving violations of minors’ rights in sports teams.
Public reaction and consequences
The public in Malaga and throughout Andalusia is actively discussing the incident. Parents are demanding tighter oversight of staff working with children, as well as the implementation of additional safety measures in sports institutions. On social media, there are calls for greater transparency and accountability from clubs and federations.
In recent years, Spain has seen a rise in cases where coaches or other adults with access to children have become subjects of criminal investigations. For example, a coach in Terrassa was recently detained on suspicion of extorting intimate videos from minors. Malaga and Huelva have also seen convictions in cases involving sexual offenses in the sports environment.
Experts note that such incidents undermine trust in sports organizations and necessitate systemic change. Authorities and community groups are developing new staff screening protocols and strengthening preventive work with children and parents. The issue of protecting minors remains a top priority for Spanish society.
