Greater Manchester Police have announced that all charges against Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood have been dropped due to "key witnesses" withdrawing and "new material" coming to light.
Following allegations posted online by a woman, the 21-year-old was arrested in January 2022 on suspicion of rape and assault.
Man United immediately suspended Greenwood, who was further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill while in custody.
The former England international was released on bail in February before being re-arrested in October 2022 for an alleged breach of bail conditions.
Soon after his most recent arrest, Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and a trial date was November 27, 2023.
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However, Greater Manchester Police released a statement on Thursday confirming that the charges against the forward had been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service, in a decision which "had not been taken lightly".
Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP's Head of Public Protection, said in the statement: "Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this.
"The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly. Despite the media and public's interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.
"I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP's commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.
"An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims. If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don't let this case put you off asking for help."
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In their own statement, the CPS revealed that the "withdrawal of key witnesses" and "new material" coming to light meant that there was "no longer a realistic prospect of conviction".
A spokesperson said: "We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review. In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.
"We have explained our decision to all parties. We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met."
Following his initial arrest, Greenwood's sponsorship deal with Nike was terminated, and EA Sports also removed him from FIFA 22.
The 21-year-old has made 129 appearances for Manchester United since coming through their youth academy, scoring 35 goals and providing 12 assists for the club.
Ben Knapton
