Former professional soccer player Steve Walters speaks at the launch of the Offside Trust at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, England, Monday, Dec. 5, 2016. In a growing scandal being investigated by 18 police forces across Britain, about 350 people have reported incidents of child sexual abuse at soccer clubs. The Offside Trust has been formed by Andy Woodward, Steve Walters and Chris Unsworth as an independent trust to support players and their families who have suffered from abuse. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
The Associated Press
SINGAPORE (AP) - Soccer must be more vigilant in protecting young players as allegations of sexual abuse mount across the British game, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Thursday.
Police in London have become the latest force to open an investigation into allegations of "non-recent" abuse at clubs, which were not named. More than 20 forces are looking into potential crimes by coaches from the 1970s after around 500 people approached police.
FIFA has been braced for reports of abuse beyond British soccer.
"In football, we need to look into that with more care and attention to prevent any child abuse in the future," Infantino said after a meeting of soccer associations in Singapore.
"Those who have been guilty of abusing on children need to be punished very seriously. They have to be out of football - that is without question - but also on the criminal side they need to be punished."
Former professional soccer player Andy Woodward is comforted by his partner Zelda Worthington and stepdaughter Isabella at the launch of the Offside Trust at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, England, Monday, Dec. 5, 2016. In a growing scandal being investigated by 18 police forces across Britain, about 350 people have reported incidents of child sexual abuse at soccer clubs. The Offside Trust has been formed by Andy Woodward, Steve Walters and Chris Unsworth as an independent trust to support players and their families who have suffered from abuse. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
The Associated Press