Chelsea pay six-figure sums to four ex-youth stars in racist abuse settlement

Chelsea have settled a High Court case after four former youth team players were allegedly racially abused in the club's care.

The former players - who remain anonymous - were allegedly subjected to a "barrage" of racial abuse by two members of Chelsea's youth team staff during the 1990s.

Court documents also alleged that one coach "would accompany that verbal abuse with physical assaults of a sexual nature".

The footballers were aged between 14 and 18 when the incidents in question happened.

The out-of-court settlement was agreed on Monday morning before a pre-trial hearing was due to take place in London.

"The club is pleased that we have been able to conclude a settlement of these claims without any further litigation," said a Chelsea spokesperson.

"We will continue to offer support to the former players concerned through our dedicated Player Support Service."

The footballers were represented by Rebecca Sheriff and David McClenaghan - partners at law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp - who welcomed the settlement.

"This is a historic moment for our incredibly brave clients who have spoken out about their horrendous experiences that they suffered over many years at Chelsea Football Club as young boys at the hands of their football coaches," read a statement from the lawyers.

"This settlement will hopefully go some way in repairing the harm and ongoing trauma caused to our clients who were just children when the abuse was inflicted on them by those in positions of trust.

"Through our clients' courage we believe that this will prompt other victims of racial abuse to come forward and our clients hope that this case will prevent others from enduring what they had to."

It's believed each former player will receive a six-figure sum from the Blues.

One of the two coaches who committed the alleged abuse has previously denied "all and any allegations of abuse", while the other has denied he was "bullying, aggressive or racist."

A trial was reportedly set to hear from more than 60 witnesses and had been extended from 15 to 25 days before Monday's settlement.

Intensive talks between the two legal camps are said to have taken place during the last week.

"The only thing to do this morning is to vacate the trial," said Mr Justice Sweeting, who congratulated the lawyers on settling the case.