A well-known Premier League figure arranged “cash for sex” with a teenage girl he is accused of assaulting in the 1990s, court documents allege.
The accused man, who still works in football, denies rape, but reportedly admits asking a girl of 16 or 17 “if she wanted to earn some cash for sex”.
An alleged victim, however, claims in court papers filed at the High Court that she was 15 when her ordeal started. In her claim for aggravated damages for sexual assault and intentional infliction of injury, she alleged the man instructed her to sit on his knee, told her she was a “good girl” and asked if she was still a virgin.
With her parents waiting in a car outside, he is then alleged to have subjected her to a “disgusting and traumatising” ordeal. According to papers first reported by The Athletic website, he directed the girl to the bathroom to clean herself before handing her £150 in three £50 notes.
Telegraph Sport had been among outlets to report last year how the Premier League figure secured an anonymity order after civil action was brought against him.
A judge sided with the established figure’s lawyers claims that his name should be protected from reporting in the media. “The identity of the defendant as a party to these proceedings is confidential and shall not be published,” said an order passed down by the judge.
The same man had been investigated by the police for a number of other alleged non-recent sexual offences, but the case led to no further action after advice from prosecutors.
“Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service and acting on advice received from them, we have taken the decision that no further action will be taken in relation to a number of the allegations,” the force in question said.
The alleged victim in the civil case had contacted the same police force towards the end of 2021, alleging a rape took place at the man’s house, it was reported.
However, police informed her she had waited too long to report the matter, because of legislation at the time stating she had to make a complaint within a year.
The Football Association’s safeguarding department has been made aware of the allegations against the man. “We have robust safeguarding measures in place and all referrals into us are handled in line with our policies and procedures,” read an FA statement. “We investigate and assess all allegations and concerns about individuals who may pose a risk of harm to children and adults in football and, where applicable, can impose proportionate safeguarding measures in accordance with FA safeguarding regulations. We do not comment on individual cases.”
The Premier League figure denies allegations against him as “dishonest and malicious.” He also states “the implied contention that [he] might harm her or her family is wholly unfounded.” He accepts that he had initiated the “cash for sex” arrangement while she was 16 or 17, but goes on to allege that she had contacted him on numerous occasions over the following years to offer sexual favours in return for money.
“On the vast majority of occasions [he] has declined offers of sex, although he has engaged in sexual activity with the claimant on up to about 15 occasions in total over the years, for which he rewarded her with cash payments in line with her expectations,” the legal defence, states.
