A man identified as Jay Austin, 44, has been arrested in Greater Manchester on suspicion of fraud by false representation, according to police. Austin is accused of defrauding families associated with the RS Lionesses, an FA-accredited grassroots football club, of more than £27,000.
The club, which has reportedly brought together over 100 talented young players to compete against those signed to Premier League academies, is alleged to have been the subject of multiple fraudulent schemes over the past three years. Parents have reported that many advertised matches and tournaments did not take place, and they did not receive refunds for cancellations. Allegations include non-payment of tournament entry fees, participation in non-existent tournaments, and charges for events that were sponsored and free to enter.
Families also claim they paid for football kits that were never delivered, alongside registration fees and monthly subscriptions. A significant alleged deception involved the Paris International Cup, where parents collectively paid £8,500 upfront for a tournament at the Paris Saint-Germain training ground. However, with weeks remaining before the scheduled trip, parents discovered that a place for the team had allegedly not been secured.
Austin, who also reportedly uses the names James and Jamie, has been released on bail pending further investigation. Greater Manchester Police have stated they believe there may be additional, as yet unknown, victims.
Parents involved expressed their satisfaction that their concerns were being taken seriously. They noted their efforts in gathering evidence to provide to the police. Some parents described feeling manipulated and devastated by the situation, with one parent stating a loss of approximately £2,500. Another parent reported a loss exceeding £1,400, feeling "groomed and manipulated" and expressing concern about allowing someone with alleged fraudulent intent near their daughter.
In April, a voice note attributed to Austin was shared, in which he reportedly admitted to being in "massive debt" due to maxed-out credit cards and loans taken out to support the football team, stating it was "my mess up." The RS Lionesses were suspended by the Lancashire FA, and Austin was issued an interim suspension order and charged with bringing the game into disrepute.
Austin has previously denied the allegations, stating that funds went through a business account and not to him personally, and that the matter was civil. He claimed that payments for the Paris tournament were not taken and that the number of accusers was exaggerated. He also stated that he had paid a "significant four-figure sum" to some parents as a "gesture of goodwill," a claim disputed by parents.
The FA has stated it takes allegations of misconduct seriously and reports cases to the police when appropriate, while also investigating potential breaches of disciplinary rules within its jurisdiction. They declined to comment on specific ongoing cases.
Police are appealing for anyone who believes they may have been affected or has further information to come forward, providing contact details for reporting fraud and Crimestoppers.