FA chiefs launch investigation into sex abuse allegations
FOOTBALL chiefs have launched an inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse by youth coaches after more than 20 former players came forward to say they were victims.
The FA launched an inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse by youth coaches such as Barry Bennell
It comes as another former Crewe Alexandra player spoke of his ordeal at the hands of convicted paedophile Barry Bennell, 62.
Anthony Hughes, 44, told how Bennell abused him on a sofa while making him watch hardcore pornograpy.
The FA has appointed Kate Gallafent QC to oversee the investigation which will make recommendations “to ensure these situations can never be repeated”.
Andy Woodward, Paul Stewart and David White have all described abuse at the hands of coaches
A Football Association spokesman said: “The internal review will look into what information the FA was aware of at the relevant times around the issues that have been raised in the press, what clubs were aware of, and what action was or should have been taken.”
It comes amid fears of a cover-up, with clubs paying damages but insisting on confidentiality agreements.
The Met and forces in Hampshire, Northumbria and Cheshire are investigating allegations of historic abuse as officers warned a “significant” number of cases are likely to emerge.
Andy Woodward talks about horrific child abuse in football
Kate Gallafent QC will oversee the investigation
Last week Andy Woodward, 43, was the first to speak out about his ordeal.
The former Bury and Sheffield United player was targeted by Bennell while at Crewe Alexandra between the ages of 11 and 15.
Bennell, who worked for Crewe, Manchester City, Stoke and junior teams in the North-west and the Midlands, abused boys from the Seventies onwards.
"I've never hugged my children" admits Stewart after abuse
He was jailed for four years for raping a British boy on a 1994 football tour of Florida, and given a nine-year sentence for 23 offences against six boys in England in 1998.
Former Liverpool and Tottenham player Paul Stewart, 52, has alleged he was abused daily for four years by another coach who has not been named.
Andy Woodward was the first to speak out about his ordeal
Andy Woodward speaks about sex abuse hell
Professional Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor said more than 20 players from seven clubs had now come forward.
He said: “We need to be mindful this could be throughout the country in the same way it’s been in other professions where children are there.”
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