Former Premier League footballer arrested on suspicion of child sex offences has case dropped

Police said the case does not meet the threshold for prosecution

The player, who can't be named for legal reasons, was suspended by his club shortly after his arrest in July 2021, and has been on bail ever since.

His bail was extended for the fifth time in April 2022, and he has since left the Premier League club he was with at the time of his arrest.

But the authorities have decided that the evidence against the player does "not reach the threshold set out on the Code for Crown Prosecutors", the Athletic reports.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “The 33-year-old man who was arrested in connection with an investigation opened in June 2021 will face no further action.

“The investigation team and Crown Prosecution Service have been working together and reached the decision that the evidence available at this time does not reach the threshold set out on the Code for Crown Prosecutors.”

The statement added: “Greater Manchester Police is committed to investigating allegations to secure the best possible outcomes for all involved and will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure individuals are supported throughout investigations and beyond.”

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