FA launches investigation after sexual abuse allegations surface
More than 20 former players have come forward with stories, and the sports association’s chief said he ‘would expect that there would be a considerable number of cases’ to be added.
The Professional Footballers Association of England and Leeds has revealed that more than 20 former youth players have come forward claiming child sexual abuse.
Leeds United and Blackpool are the latest clubs to join Crewe Alexandra, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Stoke City—all clubs that have had such allegations levied against them.
England’s Football Association has launched an internal investigation, appointing Kate Gallafent of the Queens Council to lead it. The FA acknowledged that a more “wide-ranging” inquiry will eventually be launched.
The crisis came to the surface after former professional player Andy Woodward came forward to share his story last week. Several players followed with their own stories.
More than 20 have come forward thus far, but more are expected to do so in the coming days. Several UK media outlets have also tied instances of suicide to the abuse that youth players suffered.
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On Sunday, Gordon Taylor, chief executive of the Professional Footballers’ Association, told The Mail:
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