Pedro Cortes
Former Valencia President, Pedro Cortes, is under investigation for alleged “inappropriate sexual conduct” toward a club youth player, a court spokesman confirmed to ESPN.
The player’s family reported the alleged sexual abuse to the police and the matter was under preliminary investigation in a local court.
Valencia CF said on Thursday that they were cooperating with the investigation.
Valencia, who did not name Cortes in their statement, stated that the alleged abuse occurred outside the club’s facilities.
“From the moment the club were made aware of the events, the priority of Valencia CF had been to accompany our player and his family to guarantee their wellbeing and attended to their needs in these difficult times,” a club statement said.
“Valencia CF want to remember the importance of preserving the privacy of those affected.
“Respecting the presumption of innocence, Valencia CF have trust in the justice system for the resolution of this matter,” they stated.
Cortes, who presided over Valencia in two spells —1986 and from 1998 until 2001—and is the current delegate of Spain’s national team, has denied any wrongdoing.
“I am not an abuser,” Cortes told Marca; adding, “It’s false and it will be proven.”
The club reassured families that it had “rigorous” measures in place to prevent and detect sexual abuse.
“Valencia CF and the Valencia CF Academy have the professional staff and the necessary controls to protect and detect this type of infraction and maintain a safe environment,” the statement said.
“We will continue to ensure that our measures are rigorous to safeguard the wellbeing of all Valencia CF members. There will be no more public information about it out of respect for the investigation,” they noted.