A track and field coach in Kefalonia has been remanded in custody on serious charges of sexually harassing underage female athletes.

“The Smile of the Child” has released details regarding the timeline of the case.

The organization reveals that long before the case reached the courts, an anonymous complaint had been filed through the National SOS Children’s Helpline 1056.

The anonymous complaint, filed in December 2025, alleged sexual harassment of underage female athletes

According to information released by the Organization, in late December 2025, the mother of a minor athlete contacted the National SOS Hotline 1056, alleging that the coach had committed serious sexualnot only against her daughter but also against other underage girls who were training with her.

The call was handled immediately, and, under the guidance of the Hotline’s specialized staff, the woman contacted the Kefalonia Police Department, where she filed an anonymous complaint, relating everything she knew about both her child and his teammates.

Consequently, last Friday, the track and field coach—well-known in Kefalonia—was arrested. Following his lengthy statement, and with the consent of the investigating judge and the prosecutor, he was remanded in custody.

Reports of violence during training sessions and offensive comments
The mother’s testimony to “The Smile of the Child,” however, was not limited to allegations of sexual abuse.

According to the organization, the mother also described incidents of physical violence during training sessions, claiming that the coach would slap children when they did not perform the exercises correctly, while also regularly directing derogatory and insulting comments at them, creating an environment of fear and psychological pressure.

The mother had refused to file a formal complaint

Of particular interest is the woman’s statement that, before contacting the SOS Hotline, she had already sought help from the relevant prosecutor’s office.

However, as she explained, she did not proceed with a formal complaint at that time because she was asked to file it under her own name, which she did not wish to do, as her priority was to protect the privacy of her daughter as well as that of the other underage girls who, to the best of her knowledge, had experienced similar behavior.

The case did not end there. Months later, according to the Organization, the parents of yet another child—who is believed to be among the victims of the same case—contacted the offices of “The Smile of the Child,” seeking advice, guidance, and support in dealing with the difficult situation.

Coach Remains in Custody – Testimonies Being Gathered

The coach was remanded in custody following his initial hearing, with the consent of the investigating judge and the prosecutor, while the authorities’ investigation continues.

The case file involves allegations of sexual acts and sexual harassment against underage female athletes, with reports indicating at least four complainants.

At the same time, the relevant agencies continue to gather statements and all available evidence to determine whether there are other incidents or additional criminal liabilities. Authorities are also investigating whether this particular coach possessed all the required documents and professional licenses to practice coaching.

Source: iefimerida.gr