Fulham FC has said it is "deeply troubled" by the dozens of "disturbing" sexual abuse allegations against its former owner Mohamed al Fayed.

Fulham FC has said it is "deeply troubled" by the dozens of "disturbing" sexual abuse allegations against its former owner Mohamed al Fayed. The Premier League club also said it is "in the process of establishing whether anyone at the club is or has been affected" by the late Egyptian businessman's alleged behaviour.

Al-Fayed purchased Fulham in 1997, after their promotion to the old Division Two (now League One). He immediately announced his ambition to take the club to the Premier League within five years. Fulham were promoted to the lucrative top flight in 2001 and remained there until 2014.

Fulham women's manager has claimed female players were 'protected' from then-owner Mohamed Al Fayed amid allegations of rape against him.

Haugenes, who managed the team from 2001 to 2003, told the BBC that members of staff were aware Mr Al Fayed ‘liked young, blonde girls’ and steps were taken to protect the players from the late billionaire. He said: ‘I read all the newspapers yesterday of course and to be honest it’s not the biggest surprise.

Fulham has initiated an investigation to determine if anyone associated with the club was impacted by allegations made against its former owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed. The allegations, which were detailed in the BBC documentary on Thursday night Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods,

Late former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused of sexual assault by several women who worked at luxury London department store Harrods

Fulham are investigating whether anyone associated with the club has been a victim of its former owner Mohamed Al Fayed, who has been accused of raping and sexually abusing young women.

Fulham ‘protected the players’ from Mohamed Al Fayed, former manager says - Gaute Haugenes, who managed the team from 2001 to 2003, told the BBC members of staff were aware Mr Al Fayed ‘liked young, blonde girls’.