DORTMUND (GERMANY), 7 Aug. (dpa/EP) –
The Prosecutor’s Office of the city of Dortmund, in western Germany, confirmed the start of an investigation for gender-based violence against the Borussia Dortmund player Nico Schulz, who, according to what the Bundesliga club announced this Sunday, denies the accusations made by his ex-girlfriend. .
“Nico Schulz informed us that he will defend himself against these accusations with the help of a lawyer and, in addition, claims the presumption of innocence,” Dortmund announced in a statement.
Previously, the Dortmund Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to dpa the investigations against the 29-year-old former German international, and a house search.
“The accusations made (against Schulz), which Borussia Dortmund were not aware of until media reports, are extremely serious and shocking for the club,” Dortmund said.
“Borussia Dortmund takes this very seriously and distances itself from any form of violence. However, Borussia Dortmund is not a party to the proceedings and does not have access to the investigation files or alleged criminal charges,” the statement added. .
According to the daily ‘Bild am Sonntag’, the accusations were made by a former girlfriend of Schulz. The player was not part of the Borussia Dortmund squad for the Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday night.
In addition, Schulz’s accounts on Twitter and Instagram were also deactivated. “Borussia Dortmund, based on yesterday’s media coverage of the criminal charges – relating to Nico Schulz’s private life – immediately held talks with the player and his advisers,” the statement said. “The player denies the criminal charges made against him,” he adds.
Schulz arrived at Dortmund in 2019 after passing through TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Hertha. At Dortmund, Schulz was considered a transfer candidate before the case came to light. The winger played twelve games for the German national team and his last appearance was on November 11, 2020 in a 1-0 victory against the Czech Republic.
“Since this is a case that is in the early stages of investigation and the factual and legal situation is extremely confusing for Borussia Dortmund, we are currently unable to decide on any labor law or disciplinary measures reliably and with confidence. legal certainty,” announced Dortmund.
“However, we reserve the right to do so at any time for when we objectively know more,” the club said in its statement to the press.
