Premier League footballer accused of rape has bail extended – The Telegraph

A Premier League player arrested a year ago on suspicion of rape could start the new season with an undecided fate after Scotland Yard extended his bail.

Telegraph Sport revealed on July 4 last year how the international name had been arrested in north London after a complaint was filed against him. Additional allegations of rape were made by a second woman in the following days, although one of the two later charges has been dropped.

After several bail extensions since then, the player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was expected to appear on a station early this month.

However, Telegraph Sport understands that the Met Police have now told the suspect that his bail date has been moved back to next month. The Premier League season starts on August 11.

The club has been contacted repeatedly by Telegraph Sport and is aware that the player is being questioned, but he continued to play throughout last season following his arrest on July 2, 2022.

MPs and campaigners have expressed concern over whether the internationally renowned player should have been allowed to continue playing matches.

“On July 4, a rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to the police,” the Met Police said in an earlier statement.

“It was reported that the alleged rape took place in June 2022. On July 4, a 29-year-old man was arrested at an address in Barnet on suspicion of rape and taken into custody. While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two rape incidents allegedly committed in April and June 2021 against another woman in her 20s.

“No further action will be taken in June 2021 in relation to the violation, but investigations into the remaining violations are ongoing.”