Queens Park Rangers have confirmed that they will cooperate with any investigation into allegations of historic child sexual abuse against former chief scout Chris Gieler.
The former club employee is the latest football figure to be implicated in the sexual abuse scandal rocking English football.
According to the Daily Mail, complaints have been made about Gieler's conduct around players within QPR's academy during the 1970s.
Gieler, whose death in 2004 was not recognised by the club, spent 30 years as QPR's head of youth recruitment before leaving his position in 2003.
A statement from the Championship outfit regarding the claims read: "QPR Football Club has been made aware of the historical allegations made against former club employee Chris Gieler relating to child abuse in football. The club takes these allegations very seriously and will cooperate fully in any forthcoming investigation. Any form of abuse has no place in football or society.
"QPR has robust recruitment procedures and safeguarding policies in place to ensure the protection and welfare of both children and vulnerable adults, and we employ a full-time designated safeguarding manager who works across all areas of the club with specific responsibility to the Academy and Community Trust.
"In line with FA, Premier League and Football League guidelines, we have had someone responsible for safeguarding in place since 2011. As a club, we work closely with the police, local authorities and safeguarding agencies and comply with all best practice and legislation to ensure the protection of minors and vulnerable people who come into contact with the club. Employees at the club also receive specific training on all safeguarding issues on a periodic basis.
"Safeguarding covers everything from sideline abuse; swearing and bullying; to serious sexual abuse. As part of our safeguarding children strategy, the club - in line with legislation and government guidance - requires those working in roles with children and young people to pass a criminal records check and to supply references and background checks. This is standard practice."
Meanwhile, the Football Association has outlined its terms of reference for the review into historic child sexual abuse.
Danielle Joynson
