World Champion Matteo Bonacina Under House Arrest Amid Allegations of Sexual Abuse in Italian Paralympic Archery Team
The Italian Paralympic archery community is reeling following the arrest of Matteo Bonacina, a decorated compound open specialist and 2023 individual world champion. Bonacina has been placed under house arrest as part of an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse and stalking of several female members of the Italian national team.
The investigation, led by the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office, paints a disturbing picture of a “climate of terror” within the national squad. According to court documents and reports from ANSA, the 41-year-old athlete allegedly targeted at least five female athletes—some of whom were minors—and one female coach between 2019 and 2024.
A Pattern of Harassment and Abuse
The allegations against Bonacina span several years and multiple international competitions. The Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office launched its criminal probe after the Italian Archery Federation issued a ban against Bonacina last year, following a separate sporting trial into his conduct.
The details emerging from the arrest warrant are severe. A preliminary investigations judge noted that Bonacina’s behavior caused profound “fear, discomfort and agitation” among the team’s athletes and coaching staff. The harassment reportedly escalated during major events, including the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
During the Paris Games, Bonacina allegedly attempted to rape an Italian female athlete in his hotel room. Further reports indicate he sent intimate images to female teammates and made inappropriate demands, including requesting that a female athlete provide him with a red thong to serve as a “good-luck charm” for the competition.
Institutional Failure and Systemic Negligence
While the focus remains on Bonacina’s alleged crimes, the investigation has expanded to include the leadership of the national team. The technical director is currently under investigation for allegedly failing to intervene or stop the abuse despite the ongoing environment of harassment.
For those unfamiliar with the structure of Paralympic archery, the W2 class—in which Bonacina competes—requires a high level of trust and coordination between athletes and support staff. The revelation that a world-class athlete could allegedly operate with such impunity for five years raises critical questions about safeguarding protocols within the Italian Archery Federation.
Career and Competitive Standing
Before these legal proceedings, Matteo Bonacina was one of the most prominent figures in Paralympic archery. His resume includes:
- 2023 Individual World Champion: Establishing himself as a dominant force in the compound open category.
- Three-Time Paralympian: Representing Italy at the Rio, Tokyo, and Paris Paralympic Games.
- W2 Class Specialist: Recognized globally for his technical proficiency in the compound bow discipline.
The contrast between his professional success and the allegations of predatory behavior has sent shockwaves through the international sporting community, highlighting the gap that can exist between an athlete’s public achievements and their private conduct.
What Happens Next
Bonacina remains under house arrest as the Rome Public Prosecutor’s Office continues to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The legal process will now determine if the allegations of sexual assault and stalking will proceed to a full criminal trial.
The Italian Archery Federation has already moved to distance itself from the athlete via the previous sporting ban, but the ongoing investigation into the technical director suggests that the fallout may extend to the organization’s executive leadership.
We will continue to monitor this story as official court updates are released from Rome. Do you believe sporting federations need stricter independent oversight for safeguarding? Let us know in the comments.
