The Premier League in Britain is refusing to comment on claims that a teenage girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by a group of Premiership footballers.
Detectives are investigating after the 17-year-old claimed she was assaulted at a London hotel.
The teenager reported the alleged attack to police in central London at the weekend, Scotland Yard said.
She claims up to eight league players were involved.
No players or clubs have been named by police in connection with the allegation.
None of the Premiership clubs contacted today was prepared to comment. The Premier League also made no comment, as did the Professional Footballers Association.
The girl told police she consented to sex with a player from one club - but seven other footballers from another club then forced themselves on her, according to The Sun.
Detectives from Operation Sapphire, Scotland Yard's task force to deal with sex crimes, are investigating the allegations.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said today: "We can confirm that the Metropolitan Police Service have received an allegation of rape from a 17-year-old female. At this stage it would be inappropriate to comment further."
PA