Shock Claim: Fulham Took Measures to Protect Women’s Players from Mohamed Al Fayed

A former manager of Fulham’s women’s team has revealed that precautions were put in place to protect female players from the club’s late owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. Gaute Haugenes, who managed the team between 2001 and 2003, told the BBC that staff were aware of Al Fayed’s preference for “young, blonde girls” and took steps to ensure players were not left alone with him.

Fulham, owned by Al Fayed for 16 years, has expressed concern following a BBC documentary that aired on Thursday, in which several women accused the late billionaire of raping them while they worked at his luxury department store, Harrods. In response, Fulham issued a statement, saying they were “deeply troubled and concerned” by the “disturbing” reports and were investigating whether anyone at the club had been affected.

Haugenes explained that the club took steps to safeguard the players. “We were aware he liked young, blonde girls, so we made sure situations couldn’t occur. We protected the players,” he said.

Lawyers representing Al Fayed’s accusers have said it is “highly unlikely” that there are not more alleged victims from his various business entities, including Fulham. Maria Mulla, a barrister speaking at a press conference in London, stated, “Wherever he went, there will be victims.”

Fulham has encouraged anyone affected to come forward to the club’s safeguarding department or the police.

Al Fayed bought Fulham in 1997 for a reported £30 million, overseeing the men’s team’s rise to the Premier League. In 2000, he supported making Fulham’s women’s team fully professional, the first such team in Europe, but funding was withdrawn in 2006.

Haugenes also revealed that his salary came from Harrods rather than Fulham, which he found unusual. “The payslip came from Harrods, which was strange, and the contract even mentioned that I could be placed in the food shop in Dublin if I wanted,” he said.

Fulham reiterated their commitment to investigating the matter, stating, “We are deeply troubled and concerned to learn of the disturbing reports following yesterday’s documentary. We have sincere empathy for the women who have shared their experiences.”