EPL star accused of rape: Prosecutors are reviewing evidence handed to CPS

Prosecutors are now ‘carefully reviewing’ a file of evidence regarding a Premier League footballer who has been accused of rape.

Crown Prosecution Service officials will decide whether to charge the well-known international, after being handed a dossier of evidence by Metropolitan Police.

No timeline has been set over next steps. The player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is in his 30s and has continued to play for his side despite being initially arrested in July 2022.

The investigation relates to offences allegedly involving two victims and said to have been committed between 2021 and 2023. Officials from CPS have disclosed that they are ’carefully reviewing’ the file.

It is understood that any decision to charge will be made independently and in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors. A period of between three and six months is common ahead of decisions in similar cases. Should charges be levelled, the case would then normally go to court, with the player invited to enter a plea. Should they be dropped, he would be free to continue his career.

On Wednesday, Met Police confirmed that a file had been passed over to the CPS.

A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Met officers are investigating following a number of reports of alleged sexual offences between 2021 and 2023.

‘A full file has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and detectives continue to work with prosecutors.

‘Those who have come forward to police continue to receive support from Met officers.’

The footballer’s club are yet to comment on the matter and continue to take that stance. He is one of their best-paid players on hundreds of thousands of pounds and is a first-team regular.