Former Everton footballer who was arrested on suspicion of child sex offences has allegedly been cleared by the Manchester police.
News About Nigeria gathered that the player’s name has been withheld for fear of stigmatization.
Mirror Football reported that “The 33-year-old man who was arrested in connection with an investigation opened in June 2021 will face no further action.
“The investigation team and Crown Prosecution Service have been working together and reached the decision that the evidence available at this time does not reach the threshold set out on the Code for Crown Prosecutors.
“Greater Manchester Police is committed to investigating allegations to secure the best possible outcomes for all involved and will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure individuals are supported throughout investigations and beyond.” Mirror football added.
News About Nigeria also gathered that the case was reported to prosecutors more than 18 months after the player was arrested.
The player had been on bail since being arrested on July 16, 2021. The footballer was immediately suspended by his now former club (Everton), who confirmed in a statement at the time of arrest that they “will continue to support the authorities with their inquiries.”
The player had not been allowed to leave the country while on bail. After being arrested, the player was out on police bail until October 19, 2021. This was extended to January 16, 2022, which in turn was extended to Wednesday, 19 January.
It was then extended for a third time, until April 17, 2022.
A fresh statement revealed a new date extended his bail to July 16, 2022 as investigation continued.
A statement by Everton shortly after his arrest read; “Everton can confirm it has suspended a player pending a police investigation. The Club will continue to support the authorities with their inquiries and will not be making any further statement at this time.”
The struggling Everton side currently sits 17 on the EPL table, with 30 league games already played.
The club shares the same point with Nottingham Forest who are 18 and in the relegation zone.
The team faces the threat of relegation should they make mistakes in their coming games.
They face in form Fulham on Saturday at home.
