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Updated 10:09 AM EST, Fri December 9, 2016
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The ball shot by Spanish Cesc Fabregas hits the nets inside the goal during the FIFA Confederations Cup football match New Zealand vs Spain on June 14, 2009 at the Royal Bakofeng Stadium in Rustenburg. AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images)
Sex abuse allegations shake-up football world
02:15 - Source: CNN
UK football sexual abuse 5 videos
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Updated 10:09 AM EST, Fri December 9, 2016
" data-check-event-based-preview="" data-is-vertical-video-embed="false" data-network-id="" data-publish-date="2016-12-09T14:42:34Z" data-video-section="tv" data-canonical-url="https://www.cnn.com/videos/tv/2016/12/09/football-sex-abuse-scandal-pkg.cnn" data-branding-key="" data-video-slug="football sex abuse scandal pkg" data-first-publish-slug="football sex abuse scandal pkg" data-video-tags="assault and battery,crime, law enforcement and corrections,crimes against persons,criminal offenses,football (american),investigations,sex and gender issues,sex crimes,sexual assault,society,sports and recreation" data-details="">
The ball shot by Spanish Cesc Fabregas hits the nets inside the goal during the FIFA Confederations Cup football match New Zealand vs Spain on June 14, 2009 at the Royal Bakofeng Stadium in Rustenburg. AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images)
Sex abuse allegations shake-up football world
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Updated 10:09 AM EST, Fri December 9, 2016
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Liverpool, ENGLAND - 19th February 2018. Barry Bennell is shown in a court sketch during his appearance for sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court.
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Updated 10:09 AM EST, Fri December 9, 2016
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UK football child abuse scandal
02:14
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- Source: CNN

Story highlights

83 suspects in UK sex abuse case

98 soccer clubs involved in investigation

CNN  — 

There are now 83 potential suspects and 98 teams involved in the inquiry into historic child sexual abuse in English football, the National Police Chiefs’ Council revealed.

The investigation involves all levels of football, from top-level clubs to amateur teams.

Police forces across the UK continue to receive calls from victims and people offering information. In total, 639 referrals have been received from both the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) helpline and police forces.

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uk football child abuse snell lklv_00012524.jpg
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Read: Chelsea FC accused of paying child sex abuse victim to keep quiet

Of the victims identified so far, 98% are male and their ages range from seven to 20.

Read: Hundreds come forward to police in sex abuse inquiry

“Allegations received by police forces across the country are being swiftly acted upon,” said Chief Constable Simon Bailey, the NPCC’s lead for Child Protection.

The investigation began when former professional footballer Andy Woodward became the first to publicly tell his story in November.

Visit cnn.com/football for more news and videos

Fellow lower-league player Steve Walters and ex-England internationals Paul Stewart and David White also came forward soon after, before a hotline was set up for people who were sexually abused while playing football in Britain.