![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-300x200.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
Men’s football players for Spain have criticized Luis Rubiales’ “unacceptable behaviour” as federation head.
After Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup final last month, Rubiales, 46, kissed midfielder Jenni Hermoso on the lips, drawing harsh criticism.
In response to the kiss, which Hermoso claimed was not consensual, Rubiales has repeatedly refused to step down.
The men’s team has stated their “regret and solidarity with the players whose success has been tarnished”.
In a statement made on behalf of the Spain team, forward Alvaro Morata said, “We want to denounce what we consider reprehensible behaviour on the part of Mr. Rubiales, who has not lived up to the institution he represents.
“We firmly and unmistakably support the ideals that this sport stands for.
The behaviour of Spanish football players both on and off the field must serve as an example of respect, inspiration, inclusiveness, and diversity.
The men’s team’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, apologized last week after at first cheering Rubiales’ statement in which he declared he wouldn’t step down.
De la Fuente stated that he would continue in his position.
On August 20, at Sydney’s Stadium Australia, following Spain’s 1-0 victory over England, Rubiales also seized his private area, where Queen Letizia of Spain and her daughter, age 16, were watching.
Fifa, the international governing body, has temporarily suspended him, and Spain’s national sports tribunal (TAD) has launched a disciplinary investigation into him.
On September 1, Rubiales said he had “made mistakes” but reiterated his conviction that the kiss had been consented to.
“I will continue to defend myself to prove the truth,” he continued.
Morata read out the statement at a news conference along with senior teammates Marco Asensio, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Rodri.
The women’s national team won the World Cup in Sydney, and we want to express our joy and sincere congratulations for that, he stated.
There will be a before and after in Spanish women’s football thanks to this historic victory, which will serve as an inspiration for innumerable women.
Therefore, we would like to offer our sorrow and support for the players whose reputation has been damaged.
Before their Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Georgia on Friday and Cyprus on Tuesday, September 12, Spain’s team convened for a training camp.
Given the significance of the challenges that lie ahead, we would like to devote our attention going forward to sporting matters, said Morata.
