Atletico Madrid have cut all ties with former youth coach Manuel Brinas after he allegedly abused minors in the 1970s.
The 88-year-old admitted in an interview with El Pais this week that he had abused a child in a school where he previously worked between 1973 and 1975.
At the time, Brinas was a friar while working as a scout and sporting director at the Madrid school while four individuals have since come out to say they were abused as children by the individual, say El Pais.
He founded the Atletico School of Football in the 1970s and he was credited with unearthing various stars at the club, including Fernando Torres.
Atleti indicated that whilst Brinas was still associated the club until earlier this week, he held no official role at the club.
“In view of the information published regarding Manuel Brinas, Atletico state that we strongly condemn this type of behaviour and show our firmest disgust in view of the grave facts,” read an Atleti statement.
“We are distressed because during the years that Manuel Brinas has been linked to our youth academy there had never been the slightest suspicion regarding him.
“On the contrary, he has been perceived publicly as someone highly respected at Atletico Madrid and elsewhere.
“Once the facts of the claim were known, Manuel Brinas rescinded yesterday his ties with Atletico of Madrid.
“Atletico Madrid have started an internal investigation yesterday through its compliance department to rule out the existence of any such event during the years he was linked to our club.
“One of the fundamental values upon which our Academy is based is the safeguarding of the rights of children and the protection of children.
“Although none of the events reported relate to our club, as of today, with the collaboration of our strategic ally 'Save The Children,' we have begun a review of protocols already existing in the operation of our lower sectors with the aim of perfecting them even more to prevent any risk.”
Image via El Pais
