Chelsea Hires Law Firm To Conduct Investigation On Individual Hired Over 40 Years Ago

 

Chelsea have hired a law firm to conduct an investigation into an individual, who is now deceased, employed by the club during the 1970s. The news comes as eight police forces are now looking into allegations of historical abuse in football, in what Football Association chairman Greg Clarke describes as the biggest crisis he has ever seen face the game.

There have been 250 reports made to police and more than 50 calls were made to an NSPCC hotline set up for sexual abuse victims in football in the initial hours of opening. A statement from Chelsea on Tuesday said: “Chelsea Football Club has retained an external law firm to carry out an investigation concerning an individual employed by the club in the 1970s, who is now deceased. The club has also contacted The FA to ensure that all possible assistance is provided as part of their wider investigation. This will include providing The FA with any relevant information arising out of the club's investigation. The FA has commissioned a dedicated NSPCC helpline for adults who were victims of sexual abuse in childhood within the football industry. The helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642. While the club's investigation is ongoing, we will make no further comment on this matter.”

Police Scotland is the latest force to confirm it is looking into allegations following claims of sexual abuse by former players, as the FA begins an internal review. The Metropolitan, Staffordshire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Cheshire and Northumbria police forces are also investigating reports of abuse.