It has been reported in The Guardian that Chelsea Football Club have become the first club to issue a pay out to an alleged victim of football abuse. An out of court settlement has been reached with a junior player who was allegedly abused by Eddie Heath, former chief scout for the Club.
The pay out has been compared to the pay out previously made to another former player, Gary Johnson.
Chelsea Football Club is currently carrying out its own review as is the Football Association.
A substantial number of allegations of sexual abuse have been made in respect of other clubs as well as Chelsea.
For example, Barry Bennell was employed by Manchester City and Crewe Alexandra. He was recently convicted of sexual offences against 12 boys but is appealing against his sentence.
It is to be hoped that the reviews will provide much needed answers to questions and provide victims of abuse in football with some comfort that their allegations have been taken seriously and that efforts will be made to ensure that lessons are learned to prevent this happening in the future.
At Farleys we are instructed to act on behalf of a number of victims of football sexual abuse. We have a highly experienced specialist team who are able to offer confidential advice.
If you are seeking advice please contact us on our abuse line 0330 134 6430 or via our website.
