Police chiefs today revealed 83 potential suspects and 98 clubs are involved in the inquiry into sexual abuse in football.
The investigations cover every level of the game in this country, from the top-flight to amateur competitions, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council. The body added that police forces across the country are continuing to receive calls.
The NPCC's lead for child protection said the allegations were "being swiftly acted upon" by police.
Of the identified victims, 98 per cent were male, with the age range of potential victims at the time of the abuse between seven and 20, police said. A total of 639 referrals had been received from the NSPCC helpline and directly from police forces.
Earlier this week, the FA widened its inquiry into historic abuse within the game. London clubs named in connection with these events include Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers, Millwall, Charlton and Leyton Orient.
Former Chelsea scout Eddie Heath, who died in the 1980s, is one of those accused. Heath also worked at Millwall, Charlton and Orient. Former Orient player Jimmy Scott told Standard Sport last week that Heath had tried to abuse him during the 1960s.
Chris Gieler, the former chief scout at QPR, is another who has been named. Gieler was QPR’s head of youth recruitment for 30 years before suddenly leaving Loftus Road in 2003 and the club decided not to mark his death a year later despite his long service.
In a statement, QPR said: “QPR Football Club has been made aware of the historical allegations made against former club employee Chris Gieler relating to child abuse in football.
“The club takes these allegations very seriously and will cooperate fully in any forthcoming investigation. Any form of abuse has no place in football or society.”
Former Southampton and England player Matt Le Tissier has also called for victims of sexual abuse to receive “support and compassion” after saying he experienced “naked massages” during his youth career.
Le Tissier said earlier this week that he did not consider himself a victim of abuse, but that what happened was “very, very wrong”.
- The FA is supporting a hotline set up by the NSPCC. It is available 24 hours a day on 0800 0232642.
