It's not our players, say soccer bosses

Solicitors acting for the alleged attackers said they were 'extremely concerned' about the statement.

One said: 'I think there is a potential risk of identification by elimination. I am surprised and concerned by this announcement as a process of elimination would be contrary to the Attorney-General'sguidelines.' The Villa statement-will also increase pressure on the remaining 19 Premiership teams, many of whom are angry that the name of the game has again been dragged through the mud.

The increasing chance of the footballers being identified also threatens to scupper the chance of any conviction in the case.

If the names of the alleged attackers become well known, their lawyers could argue that it would be impossible to find an unbiased jury.

However, another legal expert called the move by Villa 'very sensible,' because the Birmingham club has been one of those most commonly linked to the attack. He said the statement is necessary to clear the club's name.

Villa played Chelsea at the weekend and were in London in the early hours of Saturday, when the sixth-form pupil alleges she was attacked. She told police she agreed to have sex with one footballer, but up to seven other men joined in and assaulted her.

Several £400-a-night rooms had been booked by one of the footballers - an England international - for the stars to use after they had spent the night in bars.

The girl, thought to be a pupil at a Roman Catholic school, has shown her family bruises which she says proves she was held down during her ordeal.