FA review into child abuse in football delayed
Written by News on 26/09/2018
The Football Association’s independent review into child abuse in football, due to be published this month, has been delayed.
In December 2016, the FA commissioned an independent QC led review into what football’s governing body and clubs knew and did about allegations of sexual child abuse between 1970 and 2005.
Clive Sheldon QC was tasked with compiling the review, which he had hoped would be published by the end of September, dependent on the completion of three criminal trials against former football coaches.
However, the trial of former Southampton youth coach Bob Higgins, found guilty in July of one charge of indecently assaulting a teenager and cleared of another charge of indecent assault, collapsed and is heading for a retrial.
Alongside that, ex-Manchester City and Crewe coach and convicted sex offender Barry Bennell faces further allegations.
In a statement, Sheldon said: “Due to the ongoing criminal investigations and prosecutions it has not been possible for all those who want to speak to the review to be able to do so.
“Whilst I had hoped and expected to complete my review this autumn, I believe that this extension will ensure that many more individuals who want to engage with the review will be able to do so. It is essential that the review is as comprehensive as possible.”
It is unclear when the FA’s review will be published as Sheldon and his team may yet receive and need to analyse further information about abuse in football over the next few months.
The review ran concurrent to ongoing criminal investigations with close co-operation with Operation Hydrant and police forces around the UK.
The terms of reference for the FA’s independent review stipulate that it must not compromise any ongoing investigations.
(c) Sky News 2018: FA review into child abuse in football delayed
