The administrative investigation opened in April 2023 against Brian Joubert “confirmed sometimes angry behavior” of the ex-skater turned coach but “did not make it possible to corroborate attacks of a sexist or sexual nature”, according to the Vienne prefecture. No administrative measures will therefore be taken against the 2007 world figure skating champion, targeted by several investigations following reports of violence within his Poitiers club in March 2023.
On Monday, the appeal committee of the French Ice Sports Federation (FFSG) also cleared the Poitevin coach, we learned on Wednesday from his lawyer, Me François Nicolleau, confirming information from the newspaper La Nouvelle République . “It’s a lot of ado about not much. We find ourselves with a man who has been tarnished for nothing,” regretted the council. The testimonies, from three families, reported tantrums, denigrating words and violent gestures on the part of the skater towards students of the club or their parents.
Brian Joubert is also suspected of having a sexual relationship with a young skater, a minor at the time of the alleged events, which he denies. The Poitiers public prosecutor’s office was informed of this matter in July by a report from the prefecture.
In the administrative aspect, Brian Joubert and his mother, who chairs the club, were heard on January 17 by the commission of inquiry of the departmental Youth and Sports service. She concluded that Brian Joubert “shows reflection and that he has already put in place corrective measures”, indicates the prefecture. “Moreover, no facts have been reported since the start of the 2023-2024 season,” she adds, however recommending “an evolution of the club’s governance” in order to better manage conflict situations.
The investigation opened by the FFSG led the first instance disciplinary commission to sanction Brian Joubert in November. Suspended from the ice rink for twelve months, with a two-year reprieve, he appealed this decision, as did the federation which hoped for more severe sanctions.