Police chiefs have confirmed that 83 potential suspects have been identified in connection with allegations of historical sexual abuse in football.

A total of 98 clubs have been impacted by the growing scandal. The figures spans all tiers of football, from Premier League clubs through to amateur.

The National Police Chiefs' Council, which confirmed the news on Friday morning, added that 639 referrals had been received by Operation Hydrant from the NSPCC helpline and directly from police forces.

Of the identified victims, 98 per cent were male, and the age range of potential victims at the time of the abuse was between seven and 20, police said.

A statement released by the NPCC read: “Allegations received by police forces across the country are being swiftly acted upon.

“We are ensuring an efficient and effective service-wide approach to investigating allegations, removing the potential for duplication and enabling the timely and effective sharing of intelligence and information between forces. We are also liaising closely with the Football Association to ensure all relevant information they hold is shared to inform investigations moving forward.

“We continue to urge anyone who may have been a victim of child sexual abuse to report it by dialling 101, or contacting the dedicated NSPCC helpline, regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place. We will listen and treat all reports sensitively and seriously. Anyone with any information regarding child sexual abuse is also urged to come forward.

“When allegations are reported it enables police to assess whether there are current safeguarding risks and ensure that appropriate action is being taken to prevent children being abused today."