The Finnish Student Sports Association (OLL) has accused the European University Sports Association (EUSA) of mishandling its formal accusations of sexual assault against its female athletes during the EUSA games, currently being held in Coimbra, Portugal. According to the accusation, male athletes, as well as an older male coach from Russia, have supposedly physically and verbally abused Finnish athletes, with a rape attempt being witnessed by athletes from various other countries.
The OLL says that that the EUSA has failed to act upon the accusation, thus giving the supposing perpetrators, a silent acceptance to the crimes. As a result, the OLL decided to remove its athletes from the completion’s grounds and place them on an external hotel. Here are the reactions from the institution’s top brass:
“Both the EUSA and the whole international sports community have to show their values in action, and not just in speeches. These games are supposed to be a joyous event for all participants regardless of gender or any other matter. If the safety of Finnish athletes cannot be guaranteed, OLL has to consider further action.” – Oll President Soile Koski-Aho
“The President of EUSA, Adam Roczek, even told us, that they cannot believe all possible stories that are told. This kind of statement sounds unbelievable at this day and age, especially since the incidents had several witnesses. Demanding physical evidence in a situation like this is completely ridiculous and out of date. The directors of EUSA truly must check their views especially on victim-blaming” – OLL’s Secretary General, Elina Havu
The EUSA is yet to release an official statement on the matter.
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