The Metropolitan Police has referred two cases to the Independent Office for Police Conduct following complaints about investigations into allegations made against former Fulham chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed.

The capital’s police force have made the voluntary referrals following complaints from two alleged victims of Al-Fayed’s sexual abuse, who believe they were failed by the Met’s investigation. They said in a statement this afternoon:

“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.”

Twenty one women have made allegations against the late Al-Fayed, who passed away last August, which include rape and sexual assaults between 2005 and 2023. Commander Stephen Clayman, part of the Met’s specialist crime team, added:

“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.”

The Met also disclosed that more women have come forward since media reports of Al-Fayed’s abuse followed a BBC documentary. Several former Fulham Ladies players have spoken of their experiences at the hands of the Egyptian businessman, who also owned Harrods, and solicitors acting for the Harrods’ survivors have set up a dedicated website to act for former Fulham employees.