Following three complaints from employees and ex-employees, the president of the Angers club (Ligue 1), Saïd Chabane, 55, was taken into custody for aggravated sexual assault by a person abusing his office, Angers' prosecutor told AFP on Wednesday.

"Saïd Chabane was placed in police custody this Wednesday a little before 8am [French time, note]. A preliminary investigation began on January 7 following the complaint of an employee of the club who said that she had been the victim of qualifying acts Two other alleged victims have lodged a complaint, "Eric Bouillard, prosecutor of the Republic of Angers, told AFP, confirming information from RMC radio.

The preliminary inquiry was opened for aggravated sexual assault and sexual harassment. "When we started the investigation, we heard from people in the vicinity of the victim and the club, and we identified two other alleged victims who filed a complaint, an employee and a former employee," he said. -He specifies.

The three complainants, who are between 25 and 30 years old, stated that they had been victims of "very strong caresses on the private parts". According to RMC, Mr. Chabane "would stick to these young women, touch their buttocks, breasts, private parts, without their consent and would be feared by young women who accuse him".

The club and its president contest

"He is someone who is reputed to be severe and who is feared and even intimidating," added Mr. Bouillard. The first reported incidents were allegedly committed in 2019 and the last at the end of the year. According to the prosecutor, "it does not seem that it is a behavior which has just started".

The SCO of Angers for its part published a press release in which it indicates that "Saïd Chabane formally disputes all the allegations brought against him".

Official press release https://t.co/eQrTNoSDLg

- Angers SCO (@AngersSCO) February 5, 2020



"He will bring to justice all the elements allowing to restore the truth and to preserve his honor. Determined to see recognized his innocence, he is confident in the outcome of the investigation in which he fully cooperates", continues the text.

Angers, currently 13th in the L1 classification, is due to receive Lille on Friday at 8.45 p.m. French time, at the Raymond Kopa stadium, as part of the 24th day of the championship.


With AFP

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