A Premier League player remains under police investigation for allegedly raping three women and sexually assaulting a fourth, despite continuing to play for his club, according to a BBC report. This development follows a year after a BBC News investigation brought forward claims from five women alleging that the player, referred to as “Player X,” engaged in rape, sexual assault, or controlling behavior.
Four women reported Player X to the police for alleged sexual misconduct between 2021 and 2023. Yet, he has continued to play, a decision that has deeply affected some of his accusers. One woman revealed that the lack of action from the club and the Football Association (FA) had led her to consider ending her life. “It felt like my experience was being disregarded just because he’s talented,” she said. Another woman expressed that she believes her assault might have been prevented if the player had been suspended following the initial allegation.
The BBC confirmed that Player X was questioned at a police station on November 7 regarding an allegation from a fourth woman. This marks the first time he has been interviewed about a report made last year. His involvement with law enforcement dates back to July 2022 when he was first arrested on suspicion of rape after one woman’s report. Soon after, he was also questioned about an earlier incident reported in August 2021. A third woman came forward in February 2023, alleging sexual assault.
Player X denies all allegations, according to the BBC. Due to privacy laws in the UK, the footballer’s identity remains confidential.
Kira, one of the women, initially reported her allegations to the police in August 2021 and later reached out to the FA, Premier League, and the club, concerned about Player X’s high-profile presence. She says the prolonged investigation has taken a heavy toll, both physically and emotionally, and that she is losing confidence in the justice process. “Each delay chips away at my trust in the system,” she said.
The BBC’s previous investigation revealed that seven of the 20 Premier League clubs had players or executives investigated for sexual offences since 2020. However, current FA and Premier League policies mandate intervention only for incidents within football settings or if they involve children or vulnerable adults. Consequently, the allegations against Player X did not meet these criteria. In contrast, sports leagues like the NFL and MLB in the United States have specific public policies addressing cases where players or staff are accused of sexual or domestic misconduct.
Some lawmakers, like Dame Caroline Dineage, chairwoman of the Culture, Media, and Sport Committee, believe football needs a new regulatory approach to handle such cases and hold clubs accountable. She emphasized the need for clubs to take more responsibility when players face allegations of abuse.
The FA has stated that it prioritizes protecting children and adults at risk within football. In response to a query about its handling of Player X’s case, the FA explained it could not comment on specific cases but assured it would take appropriate steps if there were risks within its scope.
The police investigation is ongoing, and detectives continue to support the women involved. The footballer’s club and the Premier League declined to comment, citing the ongoing police investigation.
SOURCE: BBC
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