Former Team GB Coach Vicente Modahl Charged with 19 Counts of Child Rape and Sexual Assault

Former Olympic Coach Vicente Modahl Charged After Lengthy Investigation

For much of his career, Vicente Modahl was known as a coach who helped shape the journeys of Olympic athletes. But on 14 October 2025, his name appeared in headlines for a very different reason. The 65-year-old Norwegian, who once guided Team GB stars now stands accused of a series of grave sexual offences stretching across more than a decade.

19 Charges: Details of the Allegations

According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Modahl faces 19 charges in total, all relating to the period between 2012 and 2024. The allegations are severe: two counts of raping a child, five counts of sexually assaulting a child, two counts of causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of assault by penetration of a child. The charges don’t stop there. Modahl is also accused of two counts of raping an adult woman, two counts of sexually assaulting an adult woman, one count of causing an adult woman to engage in sexual activity, two counts of assault by penetration of an adult woman, and one count of controlling and coercive behaviour. All charges, the CPS said, relate to the same woman.

James Bolton-Smith, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, stated, “The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Vicente Leiva-Modahl for a number of serious sex offences, including offences relating to child sexual abuse. Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to court and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings.”

The investigation was conducted by Greater Manchester Police, who worked closely with the CPS to determine if the case should proceed to trial. Modahl is set to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.

Profile: From Athletics Coaching to Criminal Court

Born Jose Vicente Leiva-Modahl, Modahl established his reputation over decades as a coach to elite athletes. He worked with British Olympians.

Modahl’s career also extended into sports management, with references to his work as a FIFA-licensed sports agent appearing on his LinkedIn page. But now, his achievements are overshadowed by the serious criminal proceedings he faces.

Response from Authorities and the Athletics Community

The announcement of the charges has sent shockwaves through the world of athletics. The CPS was clear in its statement: “We remind all concerned that proceedings against the suspect are active and he has a right to a fair trial. It is vital that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”

The case has also prompted broader discussions about safeguarding in sports, particularly the responsibility of organizations and individuals to protect vulnerable athletes and others from harm. While the allegations against Modahl are for offences that allegedly took place outside of his professional role, the case has reopened long-standing debates about background checks and safeguarding policies within sporting bodies.

Looking Ahead: The Legal Process and Its Implications

As the legal process unfolds, Modahl’s case is being watched closely by both the athletics world and advocates for victims of sexual abuse. The outcome will not only determine Modahl’s future but may also have ripple effects in how sports organizations address allegations of abuse among their ranks.

The charges against Modahl come at a time when sports communities globally are reckoning with past failures to protect athletes and other vulnerable individuals. The proceedings against him, regardless of their outcome, are a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, transparency, and robust safeguarding protocols in all areas of sport.

For now, Vicente Modahl remains innocent until proven guilty. The details of the case, and the evidence presented in court, will ultimately determine his fate. In the meantime, the athletics community, the legal system, and the public are left to grapple with the implications of the charges—and what they say about the broader responsibilities of those in positions of trust.

In a field where trust and mentorship are at the core of every athlete-coach relationship, the charges against Vicente Modahl—regardless of their eventual legal outcome—underscore the necessity for rigorous safeguarding and transparency in sports. The case is not just about one man’s alleged actions, but about the culture and systems that must protect all participants. How the athletics community responds to this moment may define its future as much as any race won or record broken.

Image Credit: sportbible.com