Vicente Modahl, a former coach who previously collaborated with Team GB athletes, has been formally charged with alleged child sexual offenses and rape. The 65-year-old individual, a Norwegian national and the spouse of former Olympic middle-distance runner Diane Modahl, faces accusations that include two instances of child rape and five counts of child sexual assault.
Identified by his full name as Jose Vicente Leiva-Modahl, the accused resided in the UK before these charges were brought against him. In addition to the aforementioned charges, he is also accused of two instances of inducing a child into sexual activity and two counts of penetrating a child through assault.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the charges against him, covering the period from 2012 to 2024, encompass a wide range of offenses. These include two cases of raping an adult female, two incidents of sexually assaulting an adult female, one instance of inducing an adult female into sexual activity, two counts of penetrating an adult female through assault, and one charge of controlling and coercive behavior.
James Bolton-Smith, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS’s Organised Child Sexual Abuse Unit, stated, “The Crown Prosecution Service has chosen to press charges against Vicente Leiva-Modahl for several grave sexual offenses, including those related to child sexual abuse.” Modahl is scheduled to appear in Manchester Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Bolton-Smith further added, “Our prosecutors have diligently ensured that there is substantial evidence to support bringing this case to trial and that it is within the public interest to pursue legal action. We have collaborated closely with the Greater Manchester Police during their investigative process.”
Throughout his professional journey, the Norwegian coach dedicated time to training British and international athletes, including prominent Team GB members and at least one Olympic gold medalist, over the span of several decades. Additionally, his LinkedIn profile highlights his involvement as a FIFA-licensed sports agent.
In a cautionary statement, the CPS emphasized, “We urge all parties involved to respect that legal proceedings against the accused are ongoing, and he is entitled to a fair trial. It is imperative that there is no sharing, commentary, or dissemination of information online that could potentially influence these proceedings.”
