Fulham Investigates Allegations of Rape by Former Owner: “We Have Deep Sympathy for the Victims”

On September 20, Premier League club Fulham FC announced that it is investigating whether its late former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, had any improper associations with the club. Al Fayed, who was also the former owner of Harrods department store, has been accused of sexually assaulting young women.

According to a British legal team representing dozens of women, Al Fayed is described as a “demon.” The lawyers pointed out that Al Fayed’s misconduct occurred during his 25-year management of Harrods since 1985. At a press conference in London, following the broadcast of a BBC documentary titled “Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods,” these accusations were made public.

Al Fayed was the owner of Fulham Football Club from 1997 to 2013. In a statement released on Friday, the club said, “We are deeply concerned about the disturbing facts revealed in yesterday’s documentary. We express our deepest sympathy to the women who bravely shared their experiences.”

The club also mentioned, “We are actively investigating whether anyone within the club has been affected by these allegations. If anyone wishes to share any information or experiences related to this case, we encourage them to contact the club or report directly to the police.”

A team of four lawyers revealed to journalists that they represent 37 women, and this number is still growing, including victims possibly from other institutions where Al Fayed was involved.

In the BBC documentary aired on Thursday night, the Egypt-born Al Fayed (who passed away last year) was accused of raping at least five women in his residences in London and Paris, along with dozens of other physical assaults.

Al Fayed moved to Britain in the 1960s. Prior to that, he built his business empire in the shipping industry in Italy and the Middle East.

At the peak of his career, he not only owned the Hôtel Ritz Paris and Fulham Football Club but was also active in London’s high society. After the tragic car accident in Paris in 1997 that claimed the lives of his son Dodi and Princess Diana, Al Fayed became a prominent supporter of conspiracy theories.

In 2010, Al Fayed sold Harrods to a company held by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.