Fulham Football Club release statement about Mohamed Al Fayed abuse allegations

Mohamed Al Fayed, the former billionaire owner of Harrods and chairman of Fulham Football Club, has recently been accused of sexual abuse by over 20 women. These allegations have emerged following Al Fayed’s death in 2023, and the recent BBC documentary ‘Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods’. The actual number of women believed to have been victims is not yet clear, though an increasing number have already come forward to claim they suffered abuse at Harrods store in Knightsbridge, London, and at several of Al Fayed’s properties. 

Al Fayed also had a sixteen-year tenure as owner of Fulham FC, between 1997 and 2013. It remains to be seen whether allegations of abuse by Al Fayed at the football club will emerge. However, a recent club statement confirmed they ‘remain in the process of establishing whether anyone at the club is or has been affected by the reports concerning Mr Al Fayed’. A spokesperson added that ‘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.’

This official club statement has now been followed by comments from Gaute Haugenes, former women’s team manager, that it would not be the ‘biggest surprise’ if accusations of rape at the club emerged against Al Fayed. Haugenes added that he was aware of staff at the club taking deliberate measures to keep some women at the club, including players, away from Al Fayed for their own protection. 

According to a recent BBC article quoting Haugenes, Al Fayed was known to like ‘young, blonde girls’ particularly, who would not be left alone with Al Fayed to ensure ‘that situations couldn’t occur’. 

Fulham FC have opened an investigation into Al Fayed and invite anyone with information or allegations against the former owner to come forward. The club advises that those affected should contact the [email protected] or the police.