Report: Dario Gradi to appeal ban for alleged child sex abuse cover-up

Crewe Alexandra's long-time youth academy guru Dario Gradi is set to appeal his Football Association suspension from working in football, BBC Sport's Richard Conway reports.

The 75-year-old was implemented in Britain's widespread child sex abuse scandal when he visited the house of a victim of Eddie Heath, Chelsea's former chief scout, in an effort to "smooth over" a complaint in the 1970s.

He was alleged to have told the player and his family: "(With) Eddie, (football) is his life and he gets a bit close to the boys. I'm sorry if he's overstepped the mark in his fondness this time."

Gradi went on to manage Wimbledon and Crystal Palace before beginning his association with Crewe in 1983. The Gresty Road outfit was the first embroiled in the scandal when Andy Woodward shared his harrowing account with the Guardian's Daniel Taylor of abuse he suffered at the hands of coach Barry Bennell there in the 1980s and 1990s.

It's unknown whether Gradi's suspension is solely due to his cover-up of the now-deceased Heath's behaviour, or whether it also involves him protecting peadophiles at Crewe. His ban came into affect on Nov. 25.

At the time of the disciplinary proceedings against Gradi, the veteran coach pledged to "fully cooperate with the FA," but Conway understands he has since become frustrated by the body's actions and is desperate to clear his name to return from what he views as being left in limbo.

Gradi had once been in charge of this season's FA Cup fairy tale club Sutton United, and appeared on the pitch in a pre-match presentation ahead of its fourth-round defeat of Championship side Leeds United in January. This didn't breach the conditions of his FA ban, though.

"We are aware that Mr. Gradi attended Sunday's tie between Sutton and Leeds. He did not attend the match in an official capacity, but in a personal one," said an FA spokesperson after the match, as quoted by the Sutton Guardian.

"As such Mr. Gradi did not contravene his band and the FA will not be investigating the matter further."

In January, the National Police Chiefs Council stated there had been 248 historic cases of sex abuse reported since Woodward shared his story. The many players to step forward include Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier and former Manchester City terrace idol David White.