Fulham players were ‘protected' from Mohamed Al Fayed, former manager says

Players at Fulham Football Club were protected from the club's late owner, says a former manager. Gaute Haugenes, who managed the women's team from 2001 to 2003, told the BBC that staff were aware that Mohamed Al Fayed "liked young, blonde girls".

He says that steps were taken to protect the players from the late billionaire. His revelation comes after five women alleged they had been raped by Mr Al Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct.

Haugenes said: "I read all the newspapers yesterday of course and to be honest it's not the biggest surprise. We were aware he liked young, blonde girls. So we just made sure that situations couldn't occur. We protected the players."

READ MORE: Brave women go public on how Mohammed Al Fayed sexually assaulted them

A Fulham spokesperson said: "We are deeply troubled and concerned to learn of the disturbing reports following yesterday's documentary. We have sincere empathy for the women who have shared their experiences.

"We are in the process of establishing whether anyone at the club is or has been affected. Should any person wish to share information or experiences relating to these allegations, we encourage them to contact the club at safeguarding@fulhamfc.com or the police."

A press conference on Friday, which set out the claims made against the late Harrods' owner, heard there was a "systematic failure of corporate responsibility".

Barrister Dean Armstrong KC told reporters: "And that systematic failure is on the shoulders of Harrods." The legal team also represents women who were employed by the Paris Ritz and investigations were ongoing into "all entities that he had involvement in", including Fulham.

The legal team featured