League One footballer William Kokolo charged with three counts of rape
LEAGUE One footballer William Kokolo has been charged with three counts of rape.
Burton Albion defender Kokolo, aged 22, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and was granted unconditional bail until a Crown Court hearing in late September.
All three offences are alleged to have been committed in the Birmingham area on the same day, February 13, 2022.
French-born Kokolo, who signed for Burton from Middlesbrough in January, has yet to enter a formal plea to the charges.
A statement released by Kokolo's club said: "Burton Albion is fully aware of the charges that have been made against one of our players and the club has spoken to the player and his legal representatives.
"As this is an ongoing legal process, the club is unable to make any further comment until legal proceedings are concluded."
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Kokolo was in the youth ranks at Monaco before moving to Championship side Sunderland.
He then joined Middlesbrough, playing in the side’s FA Cup third round away win at Mansfield Town in January this year.