The Metropolitan Police have given the Crown Prosecution Service evidence about a Premier League footballer accused of rape.
It is a significant development which could lead to the player in question, who must remain unnamed for legal reasons, facing criminal charges.
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The Telegraph reported in July 2022 that a ‘prominent international’ was arrested in Barnet after a woman in her 20s came forward.
Reports claim he was further arrested on suspicion of two other rapes against a different woman.
It is understood the footballer was interviewed under caution relating to sexual offences against a third woman in February 2023.
Despite the ongoing police investigation, the player has continued to play on a full salary for their Premier League club.
Now, a Met Police spokesperson has told The Telegraph: “Met officers are investigating following a number of reports of alleged sexual offences between 2021 and 2023.
“A full file has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and detectives continue to work with prosecutors.
“Those who have come forward to police continue to receive support from Met officers.”
The Telegraph claims the player is one of his club’s highest-paid players and has been a first-team regular since July 2022.
BBC News also conducted an investigation which claims the footballer was questioned about an allegation of rape reported by a fourth woman in November 2024.
One woman told BBC News she attempted to take her own life out of despair at lack of action from the club and football’s governing bodies.
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She said: “I didn’t want to exist in a world where I’m constantly reminded that rape allegations can be ignored as long as you’re talented enough.”
Another woman claimed: “If they had decided to take the first allegation seriously… if they had suspended him, I never would have been in that situation that I was in that day.
“Their decision caused me to suffer.”
Speaking last year, Dame Caroline Dineage, chairwoman of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee emphasised the importance of such serious allegations against footballers being handled appropriately.
She said: “As part of the new regulator’s role setting licensing conditions, we want to see it have the powers to take clubs to task for their approach and lack of progress when it comes to improving every aspect of equality, diversity and inclusion.”
