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Albert Benaiges, who has been accused of sexually abusing dozens of former students in a public school, has denied the allegations.
Former Barcelona youth group leader Albert Benaiges has been accused of sexually abusing dozens of former students at a public school in Barcelona, Spanish media reported on Saturday.
The Catalan newspaper ARA reports that more than 60 of Benaiges’ former students have been accused of sexually abusing him while he was a physical education teacher at his public school. The ARA has said that Benaiges has denied any wrongdoing.
Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez spoke on Saturday shortly after authorities in northeastern Spain said they were opening an investigation into the allegations. Hernandez said he was “surprised” by the news.
It seems that none of the former Barcelona players have joined the accusations.
Benaiges, 71, was a key member of Barcelona’s youth training academy from 1991-2011, joining a generation of the club’s best players, including Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
After spending time with foreign clubs, Benaiges returned to Barcelona last year after returning to the presidency of Joan Laporta. He resigned last week for personal reasons.
“I don’t have any information about these episodes, although that doesn’t mean they didn’t happen,” Xavi said at a regular pre-match press conference.
“He was my coach and I never had any suspicion. I’m so shocked and amazed, I didn’t expect it.
“It’s a very delicate subject, a very complicated one,” Xavi added.
“I talked to the trainer because we love Albert Benaiges a lot. It surprised us a lot. We always had a great relationship, and he left a very good legacy. Justice will have to decide, ”he added.
Barcelona has not yet publicly commented on the investigation.
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