BREAKING NEWS: Football sex abuse investigation probes 100 clubs as list of victims as young as seven soars to 639

More than 80 coaches linked to 98 British football clubs are being investigated over alleged abuse of hundreds of children as young as seven, it was revealed today.

The National Police Chiefs' Council said that officers have had 639 cases referred to them from the NSPCC's helpline or direct calls to police.In the fortnight since abused former footballer Andy Woodward spoke out for the first time, the NPCC said that 83 potential suspects have been identified from 98 football clubs.

The age range for potential victims at the time of the abuse spans from seven through to 20.

Though the clubs are not named, coaches with links to Chelsea, Manchester City, Leeds United, Southampton, Leicester City, Aston Villa, Celtic and Crewe have been accused of abuse.

More than 80 coaches linked to 98 British football clubs are being investigated over alleged abuse of hundreds of children as young as seven. These coaches - linked to top clubs - have already been publicly accused of abuse
In the fortnight since the scandal was revealed by Andy Woodward the NPCC said that 83 potential suspects have been identified from 98 football clubs.



Spark: Andy Woodward's decision to speak out about his abuse led to a huge number of others revealing their ordeal, including Steve Walters, who was Crewe's youngest debutant, who broke down on live TV as he said he had never been to the police

The NPCC said 98 per cent of those identified as victims are male and clubs spanning all tiers of the game have been 'impacted'.



Police have warned that because of the huge number of complaints officers may take longer that usual to respond - but insisted that they will make contact.

National Police Chiefs' Council lead for Child Protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey said: 'Allegations received by police forces across the country are being swiftly acted upon.

'We are also liaising closely with the Football Association to ensure all relevant information they hold is shared to inform investigations moving forward.