Fulham FC launch probe in Mohamed Al-Fayed amid rape and sexual assault allegations - 'Deeply troubled'

Mohamed Al-Fayed

Fulham Football Club has initiated an investigation into whether anyone at the Premier League club was impacted by allegations of sexual assaults by Mohamed Al-Fayed

PA
Georgina Cutler

By Georgina Cutler


Published: 20/09/2024

- 17:39

The billionaire owned by Fulham FC between 1997 and 2013

Fulham Football Club has initiated an investigation into whether anyone at the Premier League club was impacted by allegations of sexual assaults by Mohamed Al-Fayed.

The former owner of Fulham is accused of abusing women in London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi.


Twenty former, female employees at Harrods department store in London and the Ritz have accused the billionaire of sexual abuse.

Al-Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, owned Fulham FC between 1997 and 2013.

Mohamed Al-FayedFulham Football Club has initiated an investigation into whether anyone at the Premier League club was impacted by allegations of sexual assaults by Mohamed Al-FayedPA

The club said it is now "in the process of establishing whether anyone at the club is or has been affected".

It comes after the first sexual abuse allegations came to light in a BBC documentary.

Fulham said it was "deeply troubled" by the claims against Al-Fayed.

In a statement, the club said: "We are deeply troubled and concerned to learn of the disturbing reports following yesterday’s documentary. We have sincere empathy for the women who have shared their experiences.

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"Should any person wish to share information or experiences relating to these allegations, we encourage them to contact the club at safeguarding@fulhamfc.com or the police."

During a press conference by lawyers representing victims, barrister Maria Mulla, responded to an enquiry about whether other businesses owned by Al Fayed were affected.

She said: "Yes, we are aware of allegations that have been made at other places of work.

"We also represent women who were employed by the Ritz.

Mohamed \u200bAl-Fayed in 1997

Al-Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, owned by Fulham FC between 1997 and 2013

PA

"We don’t at this stage represent any women who, for instance, sustained attacks at Fulham Football Club.

"But our investigations are obviously ongoing into all these entities that he had an involvement in."

The businessman bought Fulham in 1997, following their promotion to the old Division Two (current League One).

During his time at the club, he was pictured at matches with high-profile guests including Michael Jackson in April 1999.

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