John Cofie: Youngest footballer to bag a £1million deal accused of rape

John Cofie, a former Manchester United wonderkid, appeared in court yesterday, January 23, accused of rape.

Cofie, 29, who became the youngest footballer to sign a £1 million contract when Sir Alex Ferguson recruited him for the youth team at the age of 14, is charged with raping a lady in Trafford, Greater Manchester, in 2019.

The Ghanaian-born player never played for United and was released in 2013. He retired two years ago and has since worked as a football mentor for children in Lancashire.

Cofie has since refuted the rape allegations. The trial continues in Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court.