QPR football club have said they are aware of historical child abuse allegations made against former employee Chris Gieler. The Championship club said it "takes these allegations very seriously" and would "co-operate fully in any forthcoming investigation". Gieler left the club in 2003 and died the following year. He was employed by the west London side for 30 years, working in youth development and as chief scout. More than 20 former footballers - including ex-youth players, trainees and professionals - have come forward with allegations of historical abuse at various clubs. The Football Association has announced an internal review, to be led by Clive Sheldon QC. The Police Service of Northern Ireland has become the latest force to confirm it is investigating claims and there are now 21 police forces looking into reports.
A dedicated sexual abuse helpline has been set up by the NSPCC, supported by the FA. Earlier, former Premier League manager Harry Redknapp told the BBC that "rumours" that ex-Southampton coach Bob Higgins may had abused young players in the 1980s had been "rife" for years. He said that, because of this, he was "amazed" that Mr Higgins, who is facing fresh allegations of historical sexual abuse, had continued to be involved in football. Mr Higgins has previously denied all allegations and was acquitted of sexual abuse charges in 1992. The BBC has been unable to contact him for comment.
Meanwhile, the FA has published the full terms of reference of its review, which covers what was known and what actions were taken by the FA from the 1970s. The FA said the precise number of players, alleged abusers and clubs it would investigate was as yet unknown. Separately, a lawyer representing a new body supporting victims said "calls and emails are coming in all the time" from players claiming to have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements with clubs in return for compensation. He told the BBC such clauses would seem "entirely inappropriate" for an issue such as the abuse of children, but said that the victims coming forward had named "several" clubs as using them.
The claims come after Chelsea FC apologised to former player Gary Johnson for the abuse he suffered as a trainee in the 1970s, having waived the confidentiality clause in a £50,000 agreement they made with him last year. Bob Higgins was acquitted of sexual abuse charges in 1992. In April 1989, Bob Higgins was dismissed by Southampton FC, where he worked as a youth coach, after several allegations were made against him. He had set up The Bob Higgins Soccer Academy, but on 27 April 1989 the Football League sent a letter to all football clubs warning that it was "opposed to the activities" of the group. In May 1995, Mr Higgins joined Peterborough Utd as a youth coach. He left in April 1996 by mutual consent.
After spending some time working in Malta he was appointed manager of the non-league side Bashley FC, until he was sacked in 2001. After Bashley he briefly worked at Winchester City where he operated in an "advisory role" for the senior team. He later landed a coaching role with Fleet Town FC on an "informal, unpaid basis", but has since left. Fleet Town said his role did not involve working with children.
