The sexual violence unit of the Ministry of Sports has just received the report from the ethics commission of the French Sailing Federation (FFV) concerning the skipper Kévin Escoffier, as Le Télégramme had mentioned this Sunday.
"I made a number of phone calls that led me to think that what was presented as an alleged incident would be inappropriate behavior he would have had towards a woman at a party," Jean-Luc Denéchau, president of the FFV, told AFP. The incident reportedly took place in Newport, during a stopover of The Ocean Race, a race in which Escoffier participated last month. He had withdrawn from the Swiss crew PRB-Holcim, of which he was the leader, because of "an alleged incident during the stopover in Newport," he had explained on his Instagram account.
"The facts that have been reported to me justify that I make a report to the Ministry of Sports and most likely launch a disciplinary procedure within the federation," continued Denéchau. A source close to the case confirmed to AFP that it would be "a sexual assault."
After an exchange between the ministry's office and the president on Monday morning, the report was transmitted. Depending on the elements, an administrative investigation could be opened. In addition, the Federation may also initiate disciplinary proceedings and/or refer the matter to the prosecutor in accordance with article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Escoffier, 43, won The Ocean Race in 2017-18 and also has the 2005 Transat Jacques-Vabre to his name.