Clive Sheldon QC’s report illustrates the devastating impact that child abuse within football has had on survivors and continues to have on their everyday lives.
Football should be a safe environment for any participant, yet sadly these experiences and testimonies demonstrate that this was not the case for the survivors, who bravely came forward to give accounts of how individuals within the game heinously abused the positions that they held. The EFL is extremely sorry for the abuse and pain that survivors suffered throughout.
The crimes of the perpetrators and the findings of this report must serve as a reminder about risks that remain both in our game and across society. The courage shown by those abused will help the game do all it can to ensure these tragic instances cannot be repeated.
In the years since these harrowing events took place, working closely with football’s governing bodies, the EFL has developed and continually reviews its safeguarding policies, as well as its safeguarding strategy and standards for clubs.
The EFL accepts Clive Sheldon’s recommendations for the League and will work with The FA, clubs and other stakeholders to ensure that they are implemented as a minimum, where they have not been already.
Having consistently enhanced its safeguarding operation and procedures in recent years, the EFL remains committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and providing a safe environment for them to thrive and achieve their potential.