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

Extra precautions have been put in place to protect Fulham's women's team from the club's late owner Mohamed Al Fayed, a former manager has said.

Five women have alleged they were raped by Mr Al Fayed, who died last year aged 94, and a number of others have alleged sexual misconduct.

Gaute Haugenes, who managed the team from 2001 to 2003, told the BBC that staff were aware that Mr Al Fayed “liked young blonde girls” and that steps had been taken to protect players from the late billionaire.

He said: “I read all the papers yesterday of course and to be honest it's not the biggest surprise.

A Fulham FC spokesperson said: “We are deeply troubled and concerned by the disturbing reports that have emerged following yesterday's documentary. We have genuine empathy for the women who have shared their experiences.”

“We are currently investigating whether anyone within the club is or has been affected. If anyone wishes to share information or experiences relating to these allegations, we encourage them to contact the club at [email protected] or the police.”

At a press conference on Friday, which outlined the allegations against the former owner of Harrods, there was talk of a “systematic failure of corporate responsibility”.

The legal team also represents women who were employed by the Ritz in Paris and investigations were underway into “all entities in which he was involved”, including Fulham Football Club.

The legal team was featured in a BBC documentary called Al-Fayed: Predator At Harrods, where more than 20 former female employees spoke to the broadcaster as part of a special investigation, reporting allegations of assault and physical violence at properties in London and Paris.

Sources within Harrods said the company had accepted vicarious liability for Mr Al Fayed's conduct in an effort to settle claims by alleged victims brought to its attention since 2023, reaching settlements with the vast majority.

The PA news agency understands that Harrods has received further enquiries since the BBC documentary aired.

An alleged victim of Mr Al Fayed, named Natacha, was also present at the press conference. She said that “the fear instilled in her had left her paralysed”.

She said: “These private encounters turned into a forced kiss, his hands gripping your face to his lips or pulling you onto his lap, where his hands were free to explore any part of your body he wished.

“These incidents lasted a few seconds, but the fear instilled left me paralyzed.

“Al Fayed brushed those moments aside as if they had never happened, but I was always reminded not to tell anyone about them.”

Mr Al Fayed had previously been accused of sexually assaulting and attacking several women, but an earlier police investigation resulted in no charges.

Harrods had previously said it was “utterly appalled” by the abuse allegations and said it had set up a page on its website inviting former employees to come forward if they had any allegations.

Mr Al Fayed bought Fulham in 1997 and under his guidance they reached the top half of the Premier League in the early 2000s, peaking by qualifying for the Europa League.

He sold the team in 2013.