French Athletics Federation to Investigate Sexual Abuse Cases

The French Athletics Federation (FFA) announced on Monday that disciplinary committees will be opened to investigate two alleged cases of sexual abuse that are already under the French Justice's radar.

"Both cases have forced the disciplinary committee to be immediately activated, which will meet in April to address Machat's case and in May, Samba's case," said the FFA in a statement, highlighting that the "investigative work" will allow them to "hear testimonies and confront them" before making a decision.

The Federation reported that as a "preventive measure," Machat will be removed from all "pedagogical missions" in person.

In Samba's case, the most serious one, the FFA stated that on March 19th, they received "new elements" regarding the matter.

Samba, 40, was considered Coach of the Year by the FFA in 2013 and trained athletes such as Dimitri Bascou, who won a bronze Olympic medal in the 110 meters hurdles in 2016.

The French Federation, represented by its President André Giraud and its Technical Director Patrice Gerges, emphasized that they take the matter "seriously" and noted that two complaints against the coaches have already been officially filed with the Justice.

"The Federation wishes for these two cases to be clarified and announces that it will act as a civil party in the coming days," concluded the organization.