German Gymnastics Abuse Scandal Prompts Call for Independent Expert Panel

Baden-Württemberg's sports minister criticizes reliance on a law firm and demands a new independent body to investigate abuse allegations in Stuttgart and Mannheim.

Sport Minister Theresa Schopper argues the law firm hired by the German Gymnastics Federation (DTB) lacks the trust of athletes and cannot ensure an independent investigation.
A group of 28 former elite gymnasts and supporters raised concerns in an open letter about potential conflicts of interest in the DTB's approach.
The state government has frozen funding for the Stuttgart Artistic Gymnastics Forum until a credible independent investigation is established.
Allegations of systemic physical and mental abuse at gymnastics centers in Stuttgart and Mannheim have emerged since late December, intensifying scrutiny.
The DTB is expected to provide details on a proposed independent expert commission to the ministry this Friday.