Former Manchester United youth player John Cofie appeared in court on Monday charged with rape.
The ex-footballer, 30, denied the charge at Manchester Minshull Street crown court for the offence, which allegedly occurred in 2019.
Mr Cofie, along with co-defendant Nathan Stuart, is accused of raping a woman in Trafford, Greater Manchester. He became the youngest ever £1million footballer at 14, when former Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Burnley for the youth team. But the talented youngster's career at Old Trafford didn't take off, and he never made a full appearance for the Premier League side.Read more:
Mr Cofie was loaned out to clubs including Sheffield United and Belgian side Royal Antwerp, before being released by the club in 2013.Mr Cofie retired from playing at 27, and now works as a football coach at a school in Lancashire.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former Burnley footballer John Cofie to face rape trial in 2024Cofie, who also played for Chorley and Southport, and another man are accused of raping a woman in 2019
Read more »
Former Celtic Boys Club manager allegedly performed sex act on youth playerThe victim also stated that Frank Cairney touched him inappropriately after driving him home from training
Read more »
When did Manchester United last win the Premier League title?Manchester United may be one of the biggest football clubs in the world – but the Red Devils are currently enduring a Premier League title drought...
Read more »
Food firms raising prices unnecessarily, Tesco's John Allan saysChairman John Allan says it is 'entirely possible' food producers are taking advantage of the poorest.
Read more »
What to expect when Manchester Museum fully re-opens after £15m five-year revampExpect dinosaurs and much, much more: when Manchester Museum fully re-opens after £15m five-year revamp
Read more »