Lawyers representing the alleged victims of late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed say they now represent 60 “survivors” and that they have “credible evidence of abuse” at Fulham Football Club.
In the last week, barristers revealed they had received well over 200 calls from current and former staff who worked with Al Fayed.
In a statement on Friday, the recently formed Justice for Harrods Survivors group said its investigation is gathering pace, adding: “We now represent 60 survivors as part of this claim with more to come.
“As we said last week, given our prolonged experience in dealing with the women impacted by this case, we expected anywhere Mohamed Al Fayed went, abuse would follow. Sadly, this has proven to be true.
“We are now in possession of credible evidence of abuse at other Al Fayed properties and businesses, including Fulham Football Club.”
“To reiterate our claim is becoming increasingly global in scope. We thank each of these women for placing their trust in us as we now move forward together.”
Five women claimed they were raped by Al Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct.
The Metropolitan Police are investigating a number of new allegations of reports previously made by 19 separate women between 2005 and 2023 – including three allegations of rape, 15 sexual assaults and one related to trafficking.
Al Fayed bought Fulham in 1997 and under his ownership they rose to the top half of the Premier League in the early 2000s, peaking at qualification for the Europa League.
He sold the club in 2013.
Extra precautions were put in place to protect Fulham’s women’s team from Al Fayed, former manager Gaute Haugenes said.
Fulham FC said: “We remain in the process of establishing whether anyone at the club is or has been affected by the reports concerning Mr Al Fayed.”
The Football Association added it was “aware of the reports and will remain in contact with Fulham FC to monitor the matter”.
Michael Ward, the current managing director of Harrods who worked with the billionaire for four years, said he was “not aware” of the “criminality and abuse”.
He described it as a “shameful period” in the Knightsbridge luxury department store’s history.
Mr Ward apologised and said the business “failed our colleagues” following the allegations made against Al Fayed.
Police approached the Crown Prosecution Service five times. On two occasions, a full file of evidence was passed on in 2009 and 2015.
No further action was taken against Mr Al Fayed in respect of the original complaints.
