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Thüringer HC Cuts Ties With Youth Coach After Abuse Allegations

The decision follows ministry intervention triggered by investigative reports on alleged long‑term abuse.

Overview

  • Club president Harald Zanker confirmed the immediate end of cooperation, saying the step protects children, the club and coaches.
  • The Thuringian Education Ministry barred the coach from the Erfurt Sportgymnasium and suspended him from school training following a renewed review.
  • Erfurt’s youth welfare office assessed a child‑protection risk in April and recommended the coach be excluded from the sport program without delay.
  • Despite that recommendation, the club initially reinstated the coach, who later returned to work at the sports school at the start of the 2025–2026 year.
  • Der Spiegel reports the split has applied since Wednesday evening, the state handball federation will address his volunteer post, and the coach’s lawyer rejects the allegations.