Federal investigators and local police are examining allegations of sexual abuse within Austin FC's youth academy system, with multiple players under investigation for alleged misconduct involving other young athletes at the club.
The Austin Police Department confirmed the inquiry's existence Thursday, though it declined to provide specifics due to the involvement of minors and the ongoing nature of the case. The FBI declined to comment on whether it was investigating, citing standard protocol. Both agencies became involved after academy families reported concerns to the Major League Soccer club.
Austin FC Academy discovered the allegations in December 2025 after hearing from concerned families. The club immediately notified MLS, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and law enforcement while launching an internal review. Investigators from the FBI visited the club's training facility to conduct interviews, and all activities were suspended for the affected age group pending the outcome of the investigations.
According to sources familiar with the matter, several academy players have already faced discipline, though no coaching or administrative staff members have been penalized so far. Both MLS and Austin FC indicated they could pursue additional action if further evidence emerges, but they agreed to pause their own proceedings until law enforcement concludes its work.
"We continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement throughout its ongoing investigation," Austin FC Academy stated in a response to inquiries. "Throughout this process, Austin FC Academy and MLS took decisive actions guided by our unwavering commitment to the health, safety and well-being of our youth players."
The league said it was managing the situation with "a trauma-informed perspective," prioritizing player privacy and safety while coordinating with authorities. "MLS takes matters of player safety and well-being extremely seriously," the statement read.
Austin FC's academy program operates five competitive teams spanning ages 13 through 18, with at least 100 players participating in MLS Next, the league's youth competition. The academy recruits nationally and provides homestay accommodations for out-of-state players, as well as schooling through an arrangement with a Florida-based educational provider.
Recent leadership changes at the senior level, including the departures of head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell in May, are unrelated to these allegations, according to a club source. Jim Curtin was hired as Estévez's permanent replacement but will not begin until the 2027 season. In the interim, the team has struggled, sitting 14th in the Western Conference standings.
Author James Rodriguez: "This is a serious test of how MLS and its clubs handle institutional safeguarding, and cooperation with law enforcement is the only path forward."
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