FOOTBALL OFFICIAL FOUND GUILTY OF ETHICS VIOLATION
On 29 May 2026, the Swiss Sports Tribunal (SST) has found a football official guilty of sexual misconduct for suggestive remarks and inappropriate physical contact and ordered him to undergo behavioural training.
In September 2023, the Swiss Sport Ethics and Abuse Reporting Service received a report concerning a possible breach of ethics committed by a football official. He was alleged to have sexually harassed at least one, and possibly several, female players. Based on the testimonies gathered and the allegations against the official, the Swiss Football Association terminated his employment. The Swiss media subsequently reported on these events.
Between November 2023 and January 2024, Swiss Sport Integrity (SSI) conducted various preliminary investigations and opened a formal investigation in March 2024. Several hearings were held, some conducted under the condition of anonymity.
In August 2025, the SSI submitted an investigation report to the SST.
During the oral hearing at the end of February 2026, the SST heard from the accused, the alleged victim, SSI, and numerous witnesses. Thanks to the cooperation of the authorities, two individuals were also heard under the condition of anonymity.
After evaluating the positions of the parties, the investigation report, and taking into account the testimonies, the SST found that the football official had violated the Swiss Sports Ethics Statutes due to an offence against sexual integrity (Art. 2.1.4 of the Ethics Statutes). It was found that he had violated the player’s sexual integrity through suggestive remarks and inappropriate physical contact.
However, the official was acquitted of the charge of harming her psychological integrity through such behaviour, as well as other acts of sexual harm, namely, alleged lingering glances and alleged unsolicited approaches.
The SST has ordered the official to undergo behavioural training for a minimum of seven hours and pay half of the SST costs.
As the ruling demonstrates, the official’s position was considered an aggravating factor, as a position of power was exploited in the particular circumstances of the case. However, the training takes into account the fact that the official has already suffered significant professional and financial consequences as a result of his immediate dismissal. As a mitigating factor, the SST has concluded that the reprehensible conduct has already been sufficiently punished and decided, therefore, not to impose any suspension.
We act in cases before the Swiss Sports Tribunal, and further information is available from either Dr Lucien Valloni or Kim Gamboni by emailing them at valloni@valloni.ch and gamboni@valloni.ch respectively.