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Chelsea embroiled in sex abuse scandal, open investigation

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: A general view of the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on March 9, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tom Dulat - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images).
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: A general view of the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on March 9, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tom Dulat - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images). /
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While matters on the pitch are going great, those off the field are slightly more concerning. Chelsea have opened an investigation into historic sex abuse.

British football is currently embroiled in a historic abuse scandal. Players have come forward to reveal allegations of sexual abuse when enrolled in football academies throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Chelsea have not been safe from these accusations.

The Blues announced late on Tuesday that they would be opening an investigation regarding the scandal. It is to focus on an employee of the club who was contracted during the 1970s.

"Chelsea Football Club has retained an external law firm to carry out an investigation concerning an individual employed by the club in the 1970s, who is now deceased.The club has also contacted The FA to ensure that all possible assistance is provided as part of their wider investigation. This will include providing The FA with any relevant information arising out of the club’s investigation. – via chelseafc.com"

While this may seem as a noble act of honesty on behalf of the Blues, it may not be as clear-cut as first thought.

The Telegraph have claimed, in an exclusive, that Chelsea made a secret payment to an anonymous former player sometime during the last three years. This is believed to be in exchange for a confidentiality agreement.

"The payment, made in the past three years, was agreed on condition that the victim, his family and lawyers were banned from talking about the alleged abuse. The confidentiality agreement is so stringent, the parties involved in the case are not even allowed to acknowledge its existence."

The investigation has apparently been opened in response to the allegations.

There is no need to stress how serious a situation this is for the club. Trying to cover up what is a criminal and repugnant offence is far from acceptable.

The only thing that we can hope is that British football acts swiftly to dig up any dark secrets and provides the victims with the justice they deserve.

The FA have set-up a dedicated 24-hour NSPCC helpline for those who have been abused in youth football. The number is 0800 023 2642.

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