A League One footballer who was unanimously acquitted of rape has been released by his club ahead of the new season. Williams Kokolo, a 23-year-old French-born player, stood trial at Coventry Crown Court and was cleared of three counts of rape last month. Despite the unanimous verdict, Kokolo has not been offered a new deal by Burton Albion, the club he played for. The decision comes as the club builds its squad for the 2023 to 2024 season, and Kokolo is one of ten players who have been released.
Throughout the trial, Kokolo maintained that the sexual contact he had with the woman was consensual. The jury deliberated for just over two and a half hours before returning their not guilty verdicts on June 15. Albion chairman Ben Robinson expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, We are delighted that the jury was able to make a very quick decision and to clear William on all charges. Robinson also acknowledged the strain the court case had placed on Kokolo but expressed hope that he could now move forward and resume his football career. He emphasized that the club had fully supported the player throughout the process.
Despite the club’s support during the trial, Burton Albion has chosen not to retain Kokolo for the upcoming season. Manager Dino Maamria thanked all the released players for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavors. Kokolo joined the Staffordshire side from Middlesbrough in January 2022, having started his youth career at AS Monaco.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that their decision to prosecute Kokolo followed their Code for Crown Prosecutors. However, with his acquittal, the CPS respects the jury’s decision and acknowledges that Kokolo is cleared of all charges.
This news highlights the complex situations that can arise in the world of professional sports, where legal proceedings and team decisions coexist. While the court system has cleared Kokolo of the charges, his club has chosen not to renew his contract. This contrast showcases the different factors and considerations at play in such situations. As Kokolo looks to the future, he will continue to navigate his football career, potentially seeking opportunities elsewhere. The release from Burton Albion gives him the chance to explore new paths and find a fresh start in his professional journey.
