Thomaz Oseghale
Former Fulham manager Gaute Haugenes has revealed that the club took extra precautions to protect players from the late owner Mohamed Al Fayed, following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Al Fayed, who died at 94 in 2022, has been accused by five women of rape, with several others alleging inappropriate behavior.
Haugenes, who managed Fulham from 2001 to 2003, told the BBC that staff were aware of Al Fayed’s interest in young, blonde women and took steps to safeguard the players.
Haugenes stated, “We just made sure situations couldn’t occur. We protected the players.”
This revelation followed a BBC documentary titled Al-Fayed: Predator At Harrods, where over 20 women, including former employees of Harrods and the Paris Ritz, made allegations of assault and abuse by the billionaire at properties in London and Paris.
During a press conference, barrister Dean Armstrong KC criticized the “systematic failure of corporate responsibility” at Harrods, which has accepted vicarious liability for Al Fayed’s conduct and settled claims with most victims.
Al Fayed bought Fulham in 1997, leading the club to its Premier League rise and Europa League qualification, before selling it in 2013.
Investigations into Al Fayed’s involvement in various entities, including Fulham and Harrods, are ongoing.
