Austin FC academy players are under investigation by both Austin police and the FBI over allegations of sexual abuse within the club’s youth system.
Multiple sources, speaking to the Guardian on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the inquiry centres on alleged interactions between academy players themselves.
A source with knowledge of the matter confirmed that multiple academy families had reported the allegations directly to Austin FC before authorities became involved.
The Austin police department confirmed the investigation exists but said it could share no further details because it “involves juveniles and is ongoing.”
An FBI spokesperson declined to comment, saying the bureau could “neither confirm nor deny” the existence of an investigation into the matter.
“In December 2025, we became aware of allegations of youth-on-youth misconduct occurring among a group of academy players,” Austin FC Academy said in a statement issued to the Guardian.
The academy said it immediately reported the allegations to MLS, the US Center for SafeSport, and local law enforcement, while also launching an internal investigation in coordination with the league.
All activities for the age group involved were suspended while the investigation proceeded, and FBI agents have visited the club’s training facility to conduct interviews, according to a club source.
Sources within MLS and Austin FC confirmed that multiple academy players had been disciplined as a result of the investigation, though no academy staff member faced disciplinary action.
Both Austin FC and the league have been asked to pause their own proceedings until law enforcement concludes its investigation, though further action remains possible if new information emerges.
“We continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement throughout its ongoing investigation,” the Austin FC Academy said, reaffirming its commitment to player health, safety, and well-being.
“MLS takes matters of player safety and well-being extremely seriously,” the league said, adding that it had approached the matter “from a trauma-informed perspective, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the young people involved.”
The Austin FC academy comprises five teams across U-13 to U-18 age groups, with at least 100 players participating in a program overseen by its own separate coaching staff and leadership structure.
Players competing in MLS Next, the league’s youth competition launched in 2020, come from across the country, with the club offering homestay arrangements and on-site schooling through Florida-based SAI academy.
At senior level, Austin FC has undergone significant changes, moving on from head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell in May, with a club source stating those changes were unrelated to the allegations.
Former Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin has been appointed as Estévez’s permanent replacement, though he will not take charge until the start of the 2027 sprint season.
In the meantime, interim head coach Davy Arnaud is leading a side that currently sits 14th out of 15 teams in the Western Conference, three points ahead of last-place Sporting Kansas City.
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