The Football Association in the UK has set up an internal inquiry after a number of former players came forward in the last week, claiming they were sexually abused.
Former Sheffield United player, Andy Woodward, was the first of many to come out last week and reveal he was abused by Barry Bennell, while at Crewe Alexandra, from the age of 11-15.
Crewe Alexandra had previously said they would begin their own independent review into the way previous club management dealt with the abuse allegations, and now the FA will also run its own internal review.
"We are working closely with the police to support their lead investigations and must ensure we do not do anything to interfere with or jeopardise the criminal process,” the FA said in a statement.
Youth coach Barry Bennell was jailed in 1998 for nine years, after he admitted to 23 charges of sexual offences on six boys as young as nine years old.
At least six more footballers have come forward since Woodward spoke out last week.
Steve Walters, David White, Anthony Hughes, Jason Dunford and Chris Unsworth are among those who have spoken about their terrifying experiences.
4 men frm football world talk w dignity & courage abt sexual abuse they suffered as boys https://t.co/5337qsiEEX pic.twitter.com/EivTovxXsu
— Victoria Derbyshire (@vicderbyshire) November 25, 2016
The now-62-year-old convicted paedophile, who was imprisoned again last year, is now being called “potentially worse” than Jimmy Saville by one of his victims.
As well as police forces in Cheshire, Hampshire and Northumbria, a national investigation has been launched into the “institutional failure to protect children”.
The FA have commissioned a dedicated 24-hour NSPCC helpline for those who were victims of sexual abuse during their time playing football as children.
NSPCC tell us they've had 50 calls to the football abuse helpline since it opened two hours ago #VictoriaLIVE
— Victoria Derbyshire (@vicderbyshire) November 24, 2016
The helpline will be available 24 hours a day on 0800 023 2642.
