Overview
- The boy’s mother filed a police complaint on April 18 alleging sexual abuse of her 12-year-old, prompting prosecutors in Münster to open an investigation.
- Investigators searched the suspect’s private rooms on April 22 and seized a large number of digital data carriers that are now undergoing forensic analysis.
- The man has been identified by reporting as a co-trainer in Schalke 04’s youth program and the club says it immediately suspended him and is cooperating with authorities.
- Schalke has launched internal reviews, engaged legal counsel for those reviews, and reiterated that a child-protection concept adopted in 2023 guides its response.
- Authorities stress the probe is at an early stage, are checking for possible additional victims, and have not filed formal charges while the evidence review continues.