Bruno Martini is a former French handball player who played as a goalkeeper. With him in the squad, France won the World Cup in 1995 and 2001, and took sixth place at the Olympic Games in 1996 and 2000. After retiring from his career, Martini became the CEO of PSG and held the position from 2012 to 2020. From January to November 2021, he held the same function in the Team Vitality esports organization. Martini has been the president of the French Handball Federation (LNH) since November 2021.
Scandal in French handball. Federation president suspected of pedophilia. He was facing five years in prison
French media report that Bruno Martini is suspected of pedophilia and possession of child pornography. The activist was arrested on Monday, and the next day he appeared in court and pleaded guilty. He was originally facing a five-year prison sentence, but will end up with a one-year suspended sentence because he pleaded guilty and had a clean record so far. In addition, Martini accepted a fine of PLN 2,500. euros and a five-year ban on working with minors. The sanctions still have to be confirmed by the court.
The investigation had already started in August 2020, when a 13-year-old boy filed a complaint against Bruno Martini. Then the boy was to receive a provocation from an anonymous man who made him a sexual proposition. There was also an exchange of intimate photos. When the boy went to Bruno Martini’s house and quit, the activist paid for a taxi to take him home. Martini should soon resign as president of the federation. David Tebib, chairman of Nimes, would take his place. PSG authorities admit that they did not know about Bruno Martini’s act until now.
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Amelie Oudea-Castera, the French minister of sports, reacted to the whole case, offering full support to the victims. “I am deeply shocked by the information that was sent to the court. The handball authorities quickly mobilized and met in an exceptional meeting. I am convinced that they will take all the necessary decisions, both in terms of management and appropriate disciplinary sanctions. I offer the boy and his family my full support,” she tweeted.
Source: Sport
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