The Football Association has launched a safeguarding inquiry into a well-known Premier League figure following multiple allegations of sexual offences.
At least three women have previously reported the individual to police over alleged sexual offences, including one case involving a 15-year-old girl.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains active in the Premier League and represents his club at matches.
Whilst all criminal cases have now been dropped due to insufficient evidence, the FA has begun its own investigation into the allegations.
One woman, referred to as Kate, reported to police that she was raped at the man’s house when she was 15 years old.
However, the case could not proceed due to a legal technicality. Under the applicable law at the time, complaints involving alleged offences against females aged 13 to 15 had to be made within one year of the incident.
One woman reported to police she was raped at the age of 15
Reuters
Kate first contacted the FA in July 2023 about the historic allegations but believes no action was taken until now.
“Football authorities and government seem to have turned a blind eye, deaf ear and chose to say and do nothing to protect females,” she told the BBC.
Another woman alleged she was locked in a room by the individual during a job interview in the late 1990s when she was in her early 20s.
She claimed he attempted to coerce her into sexual activity during this incident.
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The Crown Prosecution Service found insufficient evidence to prosecute in two of the three cases earlier this year.
All police investigations into the allegations have now been dropped, enabling the FA to commence its own inquiry.
Mail Sport understands the inquiry is currently in its evidence-gathering phase, with a report to determine next steps to follow.
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The FA has confirmed it has “robust safeguarding measures in place” for handling such allegations.
A spokesperson for the governing body said: “We investigate and assess all allegations and concerns about individuals who may pose a risk of harm to children and adults at risk in football.”
The FA’s regulations allow for the imposition of an interim suspension order whilst investigations are ongoing.
Such measures can be implemented when the FA has reasonable belief that “a person poses or may pose a risk of harm”.
The FA has insisted it has “robust safeguarding measures in place” for handling such allegations
Reuters
The governing body can block individuals from some or all football-related activities during investigations.
The investigation will be led by the FA’s professional game safeguarding manager.
The FA has invited at least one complainant to a meeting to discuss her experiences as part of their safeguarding investigation.
However, the FA has indicated it will not share details of investigations or outcomes with complainants once complete.
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The FA have commenced their own inquiry after the police dropped the case
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Kate expressed concerns about this lack of transparency, stating: “We need assurances that all females at the club are safe.”
The inquiry comes amid wider concerns about sexual offences in football, with the BBC finding that seven out of 20 Premier League clubs have had players or bosses investigated by police since 2020.
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