The case of coach Mario López of Gernika Loint continues. López is accused of sexual abuse of a teenager as a coach and the Gernika-Lumo Feminist Network points out the club’s responsibility in the case. The movement denounces the “complicity” of the sports team and underlines that, although the club was informed since the summer, it has not taken action until last week everything comes to light.

The club continues to deny that it knew the case and announces that it will participate as a private indictment in Mario López’s trial. It also reports the holding of an act of support for the victim and a press conference.

Red Feminist annuls the version of the sports team: “We were very surprised that the club released a statement saying they did not know the facts. Do you mean they didn't meet us? It makes no sense, it is a lie and you will know.”

Amid this whirlwind, American player Angie Bjorklund said on Instagram that she left the team in October because she knew the case.

Two opposing versions

The Feminist Network Eldiario.es informs the media that on June 28 he received information about the case and that he met with the club: “On July 3 we met with Vice-President Amaia Lezamiz and transferred the information we had and two requests: the first, to leave López out of the children’s campus she was working on and the second, to stop being a trainer.” But the club didn't dismiss Lopez: “We were told that there was a consensus to be a coach for both the Commission and the sponsorships and the players, and that they would do so.”

The members of the movement tried to talk to the players and the club contacted them. “They told us that “you will be happy, you will not be coaches,” and at that time we were delighted, but everything disappeared knowing that he would become responsible for sports management. They passed him from one power post to another.”

Lointek continues to cancel: “We are aware of the gravity of the situation, we recognize that we did it wrong and we apologize because we have not been able to manage it correctly,” said club president Gerardo Candina. The manager, Gorka Etxebarria, has highlighted that they have not covered what happened, even though they have not done “things the best way”. The Club reiterates that it has not been aware of this complaint and that what López transferred to them was a complaint of harassment, not of sexual abuse.

Wednesday, match in Gernika

The basketball team will play at 20:00 on Wednesday at Polideportivo Maloste the match against the Belgian group Kangoeroes. It will be the first match of the team in Euskal Herria after the scandal.