Met Police refers itself to watchdog after complaints over handling of Mohamed al Fayed allegations
The Metropolitan Police has referred two cases to the police watchdog following complaints about investigations into allegations made against Mohamed al Fayed.
The force has voluntarily referred the cases to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) after receiving complaints from two women regarding prior police investigations into allegations against the former Harrods and Fulham FC owner – who died last August.
“These complaints, involving investigations from 2008 and 2013, address concerns about the quality of police response and, in the case of the 2013 investigation, how details came to be disclosed publicly,” the force said in a statement.
Some 21 women have contacted the Met Police making allegations against Al Fayed, including rape and sexual assault, between 2005 and 2023.
Commander Stephen Clayman, from the Met’s Specialist Crime team, said: “We are actively reviewing 21 allegations reported to the Metropolitan Police prior to Mohamed al Fayed’s passing, as well as the related police investigations, to determine if any additional investigative steps are available or there are things we could have done better.
“This process remains active, and we are committed to assessing all new allegations, pursuing justice where possible and transparently addressing any failings.
“In recent weeks, two victims-survivors have come forward with concerns about how their allegations were handled when first reported, and it is only appropriate that the IOPC assess these complaints.
“Although we cannot change the past, we are resolute in our goal to offer every individual who contacts us the highest standard of service and support.”
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On Friday, the Met Police said that, in addition to the 21 pre-existing allegations against al Fayed, officers had received new reports since renewed media interest.
“Specialist officers are reviewing all information to determine if other individuals may be subject to investigation for related criminal offenses,” the force added.
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A string of claims – including of rape and sexual abuse – against al Fayed, who died last year aged 94, have emerged in recent weeks following an investigation by the BBC.
Many of the allegations against al Fayed relate to employees at Harrods and Fulham FC, which he owned between 1997 and 2013.
Harrods has previously said it is “utterly appalled” by the claims and said it is a “very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Fayed between 1985 and 2010”.
Fulham, meanwhile, previously said they were trying to establish whether anyone at the club had been affected, and were encouraging people to come forward to its safeguarding department or the police.
The Met previously said it was conducting a “detailed and thorough” review after facing criticism about how it dealt with the allegations.
An IOPC spokesperson said it had contacted the Met in September to check whether it had any complaints or issues that would require a referral.
“We have remained in regular contact with the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards on this matter and, on 8 November, we received two complaint referrals relating to the Met Police’s original handling of allegations made by two complainants about Mr Al-Fayed,” it said.
“We will assess the information provided before deciding what further action may be required from us.”
Gary Lineker will step down as host of Match Of The Day at the end of the season, the BBC has confirmed.
The 63-year-old will continue to host coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026, the broadcaster announced.
Lineker will continue with the MOTD Top Ten podcast while his The Rest Is Football podcast, which features BBC pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will now be hosted on BBC Sounds.
The former England footballer said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.
“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week.
“He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”
Analysis: Will the next generation know him only as a podcasting mogul?
Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and Lineker, who present the podcast The Rest Is Football. Pic: AP
Lineker has hosted the Premier League highlights show since 1999, after his predecessor Des Lynam moved to ITV.
He is the co-founder of Goalhanger Podcasts, which produces popular shows such as The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is Entertainment, as well as his own football podcast.
The company, founded in 2014, claims to be the UK’s largest independent podcast firm and said in September its podcasts had been downloaded more than 380 million times so far this year.
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Lineker has been the BBC’s highest-paid star in recent years for his work on shows including Match Of The Day and Sports Personality Of The Year, as well as coverage of major tournaments including World Cups and European Championships.
He received about £1.35m during the 2023-24 financial year, according to the BBC’s most recent figures.
It is unclear who will take over from Lineker on Match Of The Day.
Former Tottenham Hotspur footballer Jermaine Jenas had at one point been considered to be his natural successor but he was sacked from the BBC in August over claims of inappropriate behaviour.
Lineker enjoyed a successful career as a striker, winning 80 caps for England, before moving into broadcasting.
The Queen will return to public duties today after her chest infection but will miss the Gladiator II premiere on Wednesday to aid her recovery, a royal source has said.
The 77-year-old was forced to withdraw from her duties last week and missed the weekend’s Remembrance Day commemoration events.
Queen Camilla will attend a Booker Prize reception at Clarence House on Tuesday, but will meet guests for a shorter period than planned.
She will also still attend a Palace reception with the King on Wednesday to celebrate the TV and film industry, but she is not expected to be present for the entirety of the engagement.
The changes to her diary are understood to have been made to protect and prioritise her continued recovery, with royal doctors keen to prevent any setback from a seasonal illness.
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William and Kate at a Remembrance event. Pic: PA
It comes after Prince William said 2024 has been “brutal” and “probably the hardest year in my life”, due to his wife and father’s cancer diagnoses.
Speaking on a tour of Cape Town this week, he said: “Honestly? It’s been dreadful.
“It’s probably been the hardest year in my life. So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.”
Discussing how his relatives have coped with their health struggles, he added: “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done.
“But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”
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