Chelsea ‘investigating’ ex-employee amid FA’s child abuse inquiry

Following on from the news that the the Football Association is poised to carry out a full investigation into historic child abuse allegations, Chelsea have issued a statement with regards to a former club employee.

While minimal details have been provided, the club has confirmed that an external law firm has been retained to look into the past of the unnamed employee, who worked for the club in the 1970s. The individual in question is now deceased, and the Blues have pledged to remain in contact with the FA if any information arises which may be of help to the wider investigation. A number of footballers have come forward since Andy Woodward waived anonymity to speak publicly about abuse suffered at the hands of former Crewe Alexandra coach Barry Bennell. Bennell, who was this week charged with eight new sexual assault offences, is also alleged to have abused more young players at Crewe and with junior sides in the north of England. The FA has backed a hotline from the NSPCC aimed at allowing people to come forward with information about sexual abuse in the football world, with the dedicated hotline reportedly receiving more than 50 calls within two hours of opening. The hotline can be reached 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642.