English FA says scope of review into sexual abuse increased

Former professional soccer player Steve Walters covers his face with his hands at the launch of the Offside Trust at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, England, Monday, Dec. 5, 2016. In a growing scandal being investigated by 18 police forces across Britain, about 350 people have reported incidents of child sexual abuse at soccer clubs. The Offside Trust has been formed by Andy Woodward, Steve Walters and Chris Unsworth as an independent trust to support players and their families who have suffered from abuse. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

Former professional soccer players Andy Woodward, right, and Steve Walters speak at the launch of the Offside Trust at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, England, Monday, Dec. 5, 2016. In a growing scandal being investigated by 18 police forces across Britain, about 350 people have reported incidents of child sexual abuse at soccer clubs. The Offside Trust has been formed by Andy Woodward, Steve Walters and Chris Unsworth as an independent trust to support players and their families who have suffered from abuse. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

Former professional soccer player Andy Woodward speaks at the launch of the Offside Trust at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, England, Monday, Dec. 5, 2016. In a growing scandal being investigated by 18 police forces across Britain, about 350 people have reported incidents of child sexual abuse at soccer clubs. The Offside Trust has been formed by Andy Woodward, Steve Walters and Chris Unsworth as an independent trust to support players and their families who have suffered from abuse. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP) (The Associated Press)

The English Football Association says its review of sexual abuse by youth soccer coaches is expanding and a new lawyer has been appointed.

In a statement, the FA says the review under Clive Sheldon will start immediately and adds that "the precise number of players, alleged abusers and clubs ... is unknown."

The governing body says Sheldon has replaced Kate Gallafent as the review's lead lawyer "in the light of the increased scope of the review" and because of her "professional commitments."

Former players have been going public over the last three weeks revealing abuses by coaches from the 1970s, prompting police investigations across England.

The FA review will look into whether there were failings by the organization and into the activities at clubs at the time of the abuses.