Greater Manchester police are to take no further action against a Premier League footballer who was arrested on suspicion of child sexual abuse offences.
The unnamed player had been arrested in connection with an investigation that began in June 2021.
The player, who has been on police bail, was suspended by his club, which said it would support the authorities with their inquiries.
The Crown Prosecution Service received a file of evidence from police in late January.A CPS spokesperson said on Friday: “After careful consideration, we have concluded that this case does not pass our legal test.
“We understand that when we decide not to authorise charges in any case it can be extremely difficult for complainants, and when we meet with them, we would always attempt to explain our decision, including any legal reasoning, as fully as possible.
“However, where our legal test is not met we cannot bring a prosecution, no matter how serious the allegations are.
“We never want to deter victims from coming forward. When a case has been fully investigated by police and where our legal test is met, we will work with them to build as strong a case as possible for a court to consider.”
Police said the man would face no further action, adding: “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.”
The case had been the subject of widespread speculation that led to the then attorney general, Michael Ellis, warning the public to be careful about discussing it.
“Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and everyone deserves a fair trial,” he told the Guardian. “A misjudged tweet or post could have grave repercussions and interfere with a trial. It could mean a trial is delayed or at worst stopped because a fair trial isn’t possible – so I would caution everyone, don’t get in the way of justice being done.
“The attorney general’s office will monitor the situation and we will review any contempt of court allegations made to us.”
