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Premier League footballer questioned over rape allegations after previous arrest

General view of a match ball
General view of a match ball

A Premier League player under investigation for more than two years over multiple rape allegations has been questioned again as part of “in-depth and detailed” inquiries.

Telegraph Sport revealed in July 2022 how the established international player had been arrested after a swoop at an address in north London. A total of three women eventually came forward to make claims against the player, who has continued to play for his club throughout.

Officers last year informed him that he no longer had a set date to report to police, but he had instead been “released under investigation”, which had no set timescale.

However, he was questioned again on November 7 under caution as Scotland Yard detectives continue investigations into a case that now stretches back more than two years.

The Metropolitan Police, who have not named the suspect involved, said in a statement: “Met officers are investigating following a number of reports of alleged sexual offences between 2021 and 2023.

“A man in his 30s was arrested in July 2022. He has since been interviewed by police on two further occasions while under caution. The investigation remains ongoing and detectives are continuing with in-depth and detailed inquiries. Those who have come forward to police continue to receive support from Met officers.”

The player, who has always denied any wrongdoing, cannot be identified for legal reasons. His club have been repeatedly contacted by Telegraph Sport and are aware that the player is being questioned, but he has continued to play following his arrest.

MPs and campaigners have expressed concern around whether the internationally renowned player should have been allowed to continue playing matches.

In a previous statement, Scotland Yard confirmed one allegation made against the suspect in 2021 had been dropped because the “relevant legislation had not yet come into effect”.

The force added: “This has been explained to the complainant who continues to be supported by officers.”