Andorran Judo Coach Suspended After Striking Aggressive 10-Year-Old Boy in Class

The Andorran Judo Federation continues negotiations with all parties in a case where a coach faces a complaint from the family of a 10-year-old boy over an incident during a class at a centre in Escaldes-Engordany about two weeks ago. The aim remains an internal resolution to sidestep court proceedings at the Batllia.

Culture and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell told Diari d'Andorra that the government has tracked the matter closely from the start, without powers to intervene directly or issue penalties. She confirmed the federation suspended the coach immediately on a precautionary basis, and he remains off training duties while discussions proceed. "For now, he has been removed from coaching exercises and functions," Bonell said.

Accounts of the incident vary, Bonell noted, with discrepancies among witnesses, including other children present. The federation is compiling all details before deciding the coach's future, potentially including whether he can stay in professional sports. She added that the body responded properly upon receiving the complaint and is managing the process appropriately. "We know discussions are ongoing with all parties," she said, covering the boy's family and others at the scene.

New details from sources close to the federation describe the coach intervening after the boy showed prolonged aggression toward another child during class. Despite repeated warnings, the boy reportedly applied a judo hold that risked harming the second minor. The coach then struck him to halt the action abruptly. No injury or mark resulted, and colleagues view the response as proportional under the circumstances, given the coach's patience and experience.

The coach received unanimous backing from fellow judo instructors at a recent tournament hosted by his club, where he appeared despite the suspension. Police have conducted inquiries following the family's report, but those involved expect the matter to resolve amicably without escalation. Open dialogue persists among the federation, club, coach, and family to find a suitable outcome. No updates were available on negotiation progress or final decisions.