The Football Association (FA) has launched a ‘safeguarding inquiry’ into a Premier League club boss following revelations from a UK state media investigation and a recent report by The Athletic.
Despite three women previously reporting alleged sexual offenses to the police, no further action was taken, and the man retained his position within the club.
One woman, referred to as Kate, told state media she was frustrated over the FA’s initial inaction, highlighting her concern for the safety of women and girls associated with the club. After Kate reported a historical rape allegation to the FA in July 2023, the organisation is now investigating, although it stated it could not provide details of the inquiry or its eventual outcome to her.
The FA’s policies allow it to impose an interim suspension if a person is believed to pose a potential risk of harm.
The current inquiry will be led by the FA’s professional game safeguarding manager, who will evaluate the allegations and assess potential safeguarding measures.
This case adds to a troubling trend, as a previous investigation revealed that seven Premier League clubs have had players or executives investigated for sexual offenses since 2020.
Image credit: Jannes Glas
