A number of former players linked to “several” professional football clubs have claimed they were paid to keep quiet about allegations of child abuse, according to a lawyer representing victims.

Edward Smethurst said he had been contacted in recent days by players claiming they had been paid off.

The players are understood to have allegations that they were asked to sign confidentiality clauses after receiving compensation payments from clubs.

On Saturday, Chelsea apologised to former player Gary Johnson, who was asked to sign a confidentiality clause after receiving a £50,000 pay-off after he alleged he was abused by the club's former chief scout Eddie Heath.

More ex-players from different clubs make abuse claims

Speaking at the launch of the Offside Trust, a support and campaign group founded by former player Andy Woodward, Mr Smethurst told Sky News he had received allegations against coaches still active in the game.


He said: "Victims who have come forward to us have made mention of confidentiality clauses being used and now wanting to come forward because they believe the use of those clauses was inappropriate.

"We need to sit down with those clients, look at the documentation and see what evidence there was, but certainly we have been told by a number of victims that these clauses have been used."

Mr Smethurst added: "Where there is something of a very, very serious criminal nature involving children there is an overarching need for transparency so that others can come forward, there may be other people involved.

"In answer to the question, are there people involved in the game today where victims have made specific allegations, and those people are still involved in the game? The answer is yes."

Chelsea football club apologises to abuse victim

The Offside Trust has been launched less than three weeks after Mr Woodward became the first former footballer to go public with claims of historical child abuse in the game.

He was quickly followed by former teammates at Crewe Alexandra and their testimony has prompted a wave of allegations.

More than 350 people linked to 55 football clubs have contacted police with allegations of abuse and more than a quarter of UK police forces are investigating claims.

The FA has launched an internal review of its actions and Crewe are one of several clubs investigating historical allegations, but the Offside Trust is calling for a fully independent inquiry.

Image: Andy Woodward has helped set up a trust for victims of sex abuse in football

Mr Woodward said he hoped the trust would provide support to people coming to terms with abuse, as well as seeking justice for the victims.

Steve Walters, who has also made allegations, said: "I'm getting phone calls every day off players who I've grown up with - there are so many.

"You won't believe how many are still to come out, honestly."