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.

Fulham FC has said it is "deeply troubled" by the dozens of "disturbing" sexual abuse allegations against its former owner Mohamed al Fayed.

Fulham ‘protected the players’ from Mohamed Al Fayed, former manager says - Gaute Haugenes, who managed the team from 2001 to 2003, told the BBC members of staff were aware Mr Al Fayed ‘liked young, blonde girls’.