Premier League Executive Avoids Legal Action After Civil Case Dropped
A high-profile Premier League club executive accused of historical sexual abuse will not face any legal action after a civil case against them was formally dropped. The individual, whose identity remains protected by an anonymity order, was accused by a woman who stated she was 15 years old at the time of the alleged incidents, which are said to have occurred during the 1990s.
Details of the Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The executive had been accused of raping the woman at his private residence. The alleged victim waited more than a year before reporting the incidents to the police, at which point she was informed that a criminal case could not be pursued due to legislation in force at the time of the alleged events.
Subsequently, a civil case was initiated, with the alleged victim seeking aggravated damages. The claim suggested that the executive committed trespass to the claimant's person (assault and battery) and intentionally inflicted injury. However, this civil action will not proceed following its recent dismissal.
Football Association's Response and Safeguarding Stance
In response to the case's conclusion, the Football Association released a statement reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding protocols. The statement read: We have robust safeguarding measures in place and all referrals into us are handled in line with our policies and procedures.
It continued: 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.
Anonymity Order and Judicial Considerations
An anonymity order was issued at the request of the man in 2024, preventing the publication of his identity. A statement from that time explained: The identity of the defendant as a party to these proceedings is confidential and shall not be published.
It added: Non-disclosure of the identity of the defendant is necessary to secure the proper administration of justice and in order to protect the interests of the defendant and that there is no sufficient countervailing public interest in disclosure.
The dropping of the civil case marks the end of legal avenues for the alleged victim, with no further action anticipated against the Premier League executive.
