SWIMMER SETTLES SEXUAL ABUSE CASE

A swimmer admits to sexually abusing a minor athlete. As part of an out-of-court settlement, on 8 October 2026, he accepts a warning and agrees to cover part of the investigation costs.

In March 2025, the Swiss Sport Integrity (SSI) Reporting Service received a report concerning a possible sexual breach by a swimmer. He allegedly sent a transgressive message to a minor athlete after a joint training session. As part of the preliminary investigation, (SSI) contacted several people, including the swimmer involved and the accused. The parties were informed of the possibility of resolving the matter amicably in accordance with Article 5.5.1 of the Swiss Sport Ethics Statutes. After an initial failed attempt at mediation, SSI opened an investigation.

As part of the investigation, the parties were formally heard and given the opportunity to present their observations on the facts. Given that an amicable solution can be sought at any time during the proceedings, and that the parties generally expressed a willingness to conclude the proceedings in this way, the drafting of an agreement resumed after the interviews.

In the settlement agreement, the swimmer, who is also a coach at another club, acknowledges having violated the young athlete’s sexual integrity by making a sexual proposition to her and thus having breached Article 2.1.4 of the Swiss Code of Ethics for Sport. The swimmer accepts a warning.

He also agrees – as long as the person in question is a member of the club – not to enter the area reserved for teams during competitions, nor to be among the swimmers and coaches, unless he is participating in the event in question in an official capacity.

He also agrees to cover part of the investigation costs, up to 200 Swiss francs.

We act in sports ethical cases and further information is available from Dr Lucien Valloni by emailing him at valloni@valloni.ch.