Albert Benaiges, Barcelona’s former Youth Soccer Coordinator, has been accused of sexually assaulting youngsters, according to Diari ARA.
Catalan newspaper ARA reported that more than 60 of Benaiges’s former students accused him of having sexually abused them while he was a physical education teacher at their public school. ARA said Benaiges has denied any wrongdoing.
The 71-year-old allegedly masturbated with youngsters, played sexual games with them, and touched them, according to ARA’s investigation.
Although, Benaiges denied touching children during these acts, but insists that he ‘will not repeat it all again’.
Benaiges was a key member of Barcelona’s youth training academy from 1991-2011, coinciding with a generation of the club’s best players, including Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
After stints abroad with foreign clubs, Benaiges returned to Barcelona last year following the return of Joan Laporta to its Presidency.
He was in charge of the younger levels and had implemented several modifications, such as requiring wingers to play on their natural foot and restricting the distances that full-backs could attack. He recently announced his departure from the club for “personal reasons”.
