Rabat – The Taranto Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into an alleged attempted sexual assault involving a Moroccan football player who took part in the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy. The complaint was filed by a French athlete competing at the Games, according to Italian public broadcaster RaiNews.
Italian police are continuing to investigate the reported incident, which allegedly took place aboard the cruise ship used to accommodate athletes during the Games. Investigators have questioned several witnesses and collected information intended to reconstruct what happened.
They are also examining surveillance footage from inside the ship, with particular attention to cameras installed near the swimming pool area.
According to a preliminary reconstruction reported by ANSA, the French athlete rejected a sexual approach from the alleged perpetrator, who allegedly continued to insist. The athlete then called for help, attracting the attention of personnel aboard the ship.
Police officers and emergency medical personnel from Italy’s 118 service responded. The athlete was taken to hospital for medical checks and, according to the reports, did not suffer injuries. She later returned to the athletes’ village.
The Moroccan athlete has been identified by investigators, but no legal measure has been taken against him as of yet. ANSA reported that the football player had already returned to Morocco with the Moroccan delegation.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances of the reported incident and assess the evidence gathered so far.
The official Taranto 2026 organizing committee has a safeguarding system covering allegations of abuse, violence, harassment and discrimination involving athletes, sports delegations, staff, volunteers, partners and others connected to the Games.
The system allows reports to be submitted confidentially, including anonymously, and provides for an in-person safeguarding focal point at the Mediterranean Village during the Games.
