UEFA ‘investigating referee over sexual assault of a teenage boy’ before officiating match in the UK
A UEFA referee has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage boy, according to reports.
The official was accused of unwanted touching and trying to entice the boy to his hotel room before a European clash in the UK, which he had flown in to officiate.
The referee, a foreign national, had left for the midweek game and was arrested in front of other UEFA officials when he returned. Police are now investigating.
A source told the Sun: ‘He’d apparently started talking to a boy in a public section of the hotel.
‘He’s accused of touching and groping the boy against his wishes and trying to lure him to his room. It’s shocking and totally inappropriate if true.’
He said the incident was reported to police while the accused left to officiate at the game.
UEFA are investigating allegation that an official assaulted a teenage boy in the United Kingdom
The official had been lined up to work at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
UEFA told the Sun: ‘We are monitoring the situation with great concern. In the meantime, the official will not be considered for any UEFA competition matches.’
The Met Police confirmed to the publication that a man in his 30s was bailed pending an investigation.
Daily Mail Sport has contacted UEFA for comment.
