Premier League player has been told by police he will begin a second season under investigation over the alleged rape of three women.
The established international answered bail in recent days, 13 months after he was first arrested at an address in North London. Officers have now informed him he no longer has a set date to report to police, but he has instead been “released under investigation”, which has no set timescale.
Telegraph Sport disclosed on July 4 last year how the well-known figure had been arrested in North London after a first complaint was made about him. Additional allegations of rape were made by a second woman in the ensuing days, although one of two later allegations has been dropped. The suspect was then interviewed in February this year after a third woman came forward with allegations.
After several bail extensions since, the player will now begin the playing season with the case ongoing for an unspecified period of time. His club has been repeatedly contacted by Telegraph Sport and is aware the player is being questioned but he continued to play for the entirety of last season following his arrest.
MPs and campaigners have expressed concern around whether the internationally renowned player should have been allowed to continue playing matches.
Scotland Yard said the first alleged rape was reported to have happened in June 2022 and he was arrested weeks later, on July 4.
While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in April and June of 2021 against a different woman in her 20s,” a statement added. “In February 2023, the man was interviewed under caution for a sexual offence alleged to have taken place in Barnet in February 2022. This relates to a third victim and was reported to police in July 2022.
“No further action will be taken in relation to the alleged offence in June 2021 because the relevant legislation had not yet come into effect at the time it is said to have occurred. This has been explained to the complainant who continues to be supported by officers.
“The man was bailed until August 2023. He was subsequently released under investigation whilst further enquiries are carried out.”
