Premier League club ‘WILL keep picking star accused of rape despite police passing evidence to CPS’

A Premier League footballer facing multiple rape accusations is reportedly set to continue being selected for his club, according to new reports.  

The high-profile international player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains under investigation for a series of alleged sexual offences spanning several years. 

The Metropolitan Police have submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, which is now reviewing the case to determine whether charges will be brought. 

The player, who was first arrested in July 2022, has continued to feature for his team despite the allegations, a decision that has drawn criticism from politicians and women’s rights groups. 

According to The Sun, ‘the club is standing by its position that the player involved remains innocent until proven otherwise and therefore should not be punished by his employer.’

However, their stance could change ‘if a formal charge is laid by the CPS’. 

The high-profile international player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, remains under investigation for a series of alleged sexual offences spanning several years 

The initial arrest related to accusations made by one woman, but the player was subsequently arrested again on suspicion of raping another woman in April and June 2021. 

However, no further action was taken regarding those allegations due to a legislative gap, as a key piece of relevant law had not yet come into effect at the time of the alleged incidents. 

In February 2023, the footballer was also interviewed under caution over a separate alleged sexual offence involving a third potential victim. 

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated: ‘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.’

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the footballer’s club has yet to issue a public statement on the matter, leaving questions over their stance. 

The case has reignited debate about the responsibility of football clubs to take action against players accused of serious crimes, even in the absence of formal charges. 

Critics argue that allowing the player to continue competing sends a damaging message to survivors of sexual violence. 

The CPS has not indicated a timeline for its decision on whether to press charges. In the meantime, the case remains under intense public scrutiny.