The Public Ministry (MP) archived the open inquiry directed at Miguel Afonso following complaints from Rio Ave players, specifically a minor, for alleged sexual harassment, in the 2020/2021 season. The deputy considers that “the practice of the crime of sexual harassment has not been proven” by the former coach of the women’s soccer teams of Rio Ave and Famalicão.
file office, quoted by Diário de Notícias (DN), specifies that the minor under investigation, on suspicion of the crime of sexual harassment, did not report any illegal practice. The player in question stated that “the defendant never approached or sexually harassed her, nor did he have any sexual conversation with her.”
The office explains that none of the other players who filed complaints agreed to testify in the investigation.
Contacted by DN, Miguel Afonso says that “he was not notified of the decision nor did he constitute an arguido” in this process.
Miguel Afonso was suspended for three years by the Disciplinary Council of the Portuguese Football Federation, based on the questioning of 18 victims or witnesses.
The case was revealed in September of last year, by the Público newspaper, and led to the immediate dismissal of Miguel Afonso from the technical command of the Famalicão women’s soccer team.
Several Rio Ave players reported inappropriate messages sent by the coach, in the 2020/2021 season.
Source: TSF
