A key figure in the English Premier League has been sued for sexual assault

According to The Athletic, a prominent figure in the English Premier League has received a High Court anonymity order to prevent his identity from being publicly disclosed in a civil case alleging sexual abuse of a teenage girl in the 1990s.



Reportedly, the individual involved is a well-known figure in England's top football league. A woman claims she was 15 years old when the alleged abuse occurred, and she is suing him for aggravated damages. However, his lawyer successfully argued before a High Court judge that an order should be made to protect his identity from media disclosure. Court documents seen by The Athletic show that the order was made to "protect the interests of the defendant" and "to ensure the administration of justice." The judge ruled that "there was not enough countervailing public interest in disclosure."

As a result, the defendant's name was not listed in the legal documents detailing the allegations of sexual abuse and "infliction of harm by assault and battery with intent" against the plaintiff. It is reported that this has caused psychological harm to the alleged victim.

The defendant's legal team presented a detailed case to the High Court, arguing that his identity should be protected as it could have repercussions for him. While anonymity rights for suspects are typically granted in the early stages of a police investigation in the UK (and only change when individuals are charged), this usually does not apply to civil cases where individuals are sued for damages over alleged sexual abuse.

The Athletic also revealed that the same individual is under police investigation for multiple other non-recent sexual crimes, including previous allegations of raping and sexually abusing teenage girls.

In a statement, the police said: "We have received multiple allegations of non-recent sexual offenses. Our specialists have conducted investigations and obtained testimonies from victims. After consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service and acting on their advice, we have decided not to take further action on multiple allegations."

This decision was made earlier this year. The alleged victim in this civil case contacted the police at the end of 2021, and her complaint was referred to the specialized department investigating sexual crimes against those under 16. She claims the rape occurred at the defendant's home.

She was informed by the police that she had waited too long to report the incident, as under the Sexual Offences Act of 1956, if the so-called crime occurred between 1956 and 2004 and the so-called victim was aged between 13 and 15, she had to make the complaint within one year.

The 2003 Sexual Offences Act, passed in May 2004, abolished the time limit, but if the so-called assault occurred within the previous 48 years, the time limit still applies. This legislation applies only to girls aged 13 to 15, not boys.

After what the police termed a complex investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to take further action. The individual was not arrested, and the case remains on file.

Although the individual's identity is protected, it is understood that the Football Association's safeguarding department has been made aware of the allegations against him.

In such circumstances, if the FA is aware that someone in the sports community has been accused of committing child sexual abuse, theoretically, this makes the individual a potential risk to girls or boys of a certain age group. The FA has the authority to conduct risk assessment reports and, if necessary during investigations, to impose interim suspensions on individuals.

As of now, the individual involved continues to work in football without reportedly undergoing any protective measures, even though he may have close contact with female and girls' football players.

The Football Association said in a statement: "We have robust safeguarding measures in place and handle all referrals to us in line with our policies and procedures. We investigate and assess all allegations and concerns about individuals that may cause harm to children and adults in football and take appropriate safeguarding measures as per Football Association safeguarding regulations when applicable. We do not comment on individual cases."