Football abuse hotline gets over 1,700 calls in three weeks

Earlier this week, the Metropolitan Police revealed it was looking at more than 106 claims of abuse related to 30 clubs, including four Premier League teams. - AFP/file

London (AFP) - A telephone hotline dedicated to helping those affected by historic sexual abuse in football has received more than 1,700 calls in three weeks, it was revealed on Thursday.

The confidential number was set up by a child protection charity and the English Football Association after former player Andy Woodward told the Guardian newspaper about the abuse he suffered as a boy in Crewe's youth academy.