Footballers suspended over underage sex scandal
Four players from Swiss first-division side FC Thun have been suspended over accusations of sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl.
The club’s decision to ban two first team and two under-21s players from training and competing was effective immediately, the Swiss Football Association (SFA) said on Thursday.
Their status will be reviewed by the club once judgment has been passed by a court in Thun.
It follows the announcement by the investigating magistrate in the Bernese Oberland on Monday that ten people, including seven current or former footballers, faced criminal proceedings after being accused of sexual acts with a 15-year-old fan. The age of consent in Switzerland is 16.
Six players and two other people had appeared in court, accused of sexual relations or other acts with the girl’s consent.
Two others, one a footballer, are accused of more serious offences and will appear before the district tribunal.
A former player has already been given a suspended sentence and fined. Another ex-footballer from the club who is abroad has still to be questioned.
The police began their investigations into the sex allegations in September and 12 players were detained two months later.
The SFA said Thursday’s suspensions had “settled” the situation.
In compliance with the JTI standards
More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.