BURTON Albion defender William Kokolo has been cleared of all charges against him after a unanimous verdict by a jury at Coventry Crown Court.
The 23-year-old denied three counts of rape and has always maintained his innocence.
Burton Albion Chairman Ben Robinson said: “We are delighted that the jury was able to make a very quick decision and to clear William on all charges.
“This court case has put a great strain on the young man for the last year but he was determined to clear his name and he can now hopefully put this behind him and resume his football career.
“Burton Albion has fully supported him throughout the process.”
Burton Albion signed Kokolo from Middlesbrough in January 2022.
The French player came through the youth ranks at AS Monaco before joining Middlesbrough’s North-East rivals Sunderland back in 2017.
In March 2020 he signed a two-year deal at The Riverside and spent time out on loan with Darlington before joining the Brewers on a permanent deal.