Austin FC is the subject of a joint investigation by the Austin Police Department and the FBI concerning allegations of sexual abuse within the club’s academy system. According to multiple sources granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, the probe centers on alleged misconduct occurring between youth players. A club source confirmed that several academy families initially brought the concerns to the organization’s attention.
On Thursday, the Austin Police Department acknowledged the investigation to The Guardian but cited the involvement of juveniles and the ongoing nature of the case as reasons for withholding further details. An FBI spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the bureau’s involvement. However, sources within both MLS and Austin FC verified that federal and local authorities are conducting parallel inquiries.
“In December 2025, we became aware of allegations of youth-on-youth misconduct occurring among a group of academy players,” the Austin FC Academy stated in a release provided to The Guardian. “Upon learning of these issues from concerned academy families, Austin FC Academy took immediate action.”
According to the academy’s statement, officials promptly reported the allegations to MLS, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, and local law enforcement, while launching an internal investigation in coordination with the league. The academy also suspended all activities for the affected age group pending the outcome of the inquiries. A club source additionally confirmed that FBI agents visited the team’s training facility to conduct interviews.
Sources within MLS and Austin FC indicated that multiple academy players have faced disciplinary measures following the internal review, though no academy staff members have been sanctioned. The same sources noted that the league and club reserve the right to pursue further action should new information surface, but both entities have been requested to halt their independent proceedings until law enforcement completes its investigation.
“We continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement throughout its ongoing investigation,” the Austin FC Academy affirmed in a subsequent statement. “Throughout this process, Austin FC Academy and MLS took decisive actions guided by our unwavering commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our youth players, and we will continue to do so.”
“MLS takes matters of player safety and well-being extremely seriously,” the league stated. “Throughout this process, MLS and Austin FC have adopted a trauma-informed approach, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the young people involved, protecting their privacy, minimizing the risk of further harm, and coordinating closely with law enforcement and other relevant authorities. MLS remains committed to player safety and will continue working with clubs to foster a safe and respectful environment.”
The Austin FC academy fields five teams spanning the U-13 to U-18 age groups, encompassing at least 100 players. The program operates under a distinct coaching staff and leadership structure separate from the senior team and competes in MLS Next, the league’s youth competition platform launched in 2020. Consistent with other MLS academies, Austin FC recruits nationally and provides homestay accommodations for out-of-town players, as well as on-site education through a partnership with the Florida-based SAI Academy.
At the senior level, Austin FC’s sporting department has undergone significant turnover in recent months, parting ways with head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell in May. A club source insisted Friday that those departures were unrelated to the academy allegations. The club subsequently hired former Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin as Estévez’s successor, though he will not assume his duties until the start of the 2027 season. Currently guided by interim head coach Davy Arnaud, the first team sits 14th in the 15-team Western Conference standings, three points above last-place Sporting Kansas City.