Gradi vows to help FA sex abuse inqury after interim suspension

London (AFP) – Crewe director of football Dario Gradi has been suspended on an interim basis as part of a wider investigation into historical child sex abuse, the League Two club announced on Monday.

It is understood the Football Association is probing claims Gradi “smoothed over” a complaint of sexual assault against Chelsea scout Eddie Heath in the 1970s.

In a short statement, Crewe said: “Following discussions with the Football Association, Crewe Alexandra Football Club can confirm that Dario Gradi is currently under an FA interim suspension from football.”

Gradi, 75, denies any wrongdoing and says he will help the FA’s inquiry.

Last week a former youth player at Chelsea, where Gradi was assistant coach, claimed he was assaulted by Heath in 1974.

Gradi later joined Crewe in 1983 and was manager there until 2007, returning for a second stint from 2009 to 2011 before becoming the fourth tier club’s director of football.

In a statement before his suspension, Gradi – who has made no specific comments on this development or his links with Heath – said: “Suffice to say, I will do everything within my power to assist all investigatory authorities.”

The development comes after police revealed dozens of potential suspects have been identified in connection with historical child sex abuse allegations in football.

According to figures released by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), 98 clubs spanning all tiers of the game have been impacted.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and local police forces have referred more than 600 reports to Operation Hydrant, the national coordination hub for non-recent child abuse allegations.

“Allegations received by police forces across the country are being swiftly acted upon,” NPCC lead for child protection Simon Bailey said.

“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…regardless of how long ago the abuse may have taken place.”