Extra precautions were put in place to protect Fulham ’s women’s team from the club’s late owner Mohamed al-Fayed, a former manager has said. Five women alleged they had been raped by Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, with dozens of others alleging sexual misconduct, most at Harrods.

Late former Fulham owner Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused of rape by several women who worked at luxury London department store Harrods

Fulham has initiated an investigation to determine if anyone associated with the club was impacted by allegations made against its former owner, Mohamed Al-Fayed. The allegations, which were detailed in the BBC documentary on Thursday night Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods,

Gaute Haugenes, who managed Fulham's women's team between 2001 and 2003, told the BBC that he and other staff members took steps to protect the players from any potential encounters with Al Fayed. This revelation has prompted Fulham to launch an investigation into any potential misconduct within the club.

Al-Fayed purchased Fulham in 1997, after their promotion to the old Division Two (now League One). He immediately announced his ambition to take the club to the Premier League within five years. Fulham were promoted to the lucrative top flight in 2001 and remained there until 2014.

Fulham are investigating whether anyone associated with the club has been a victim of its former owner Mohamed Al Fayed, who has been accused of raping and sexually abusing young women.

Haugenes, who managed the team from 2001 to 2003, told the BBC that members of staff were aware Mr Al Fayed ‘liked young, blonde girls’ and steps were taken to protect the players from the late billionaire. He said: ‘I read all the newspapers yesterday of course and to be honest it’s not the biggest surprise.

Fulham women's manager has claimed female players were 'protected' from then-owner Mohamed Al Fayed amid allegations of rape against him.