Aston Villa sacked a scout accused of sexually abusing boys in 1988 but did not go to police, the Victoria Derbyshire show has discovered.
Ted Langford later admitted sex offences between 1976 and 1989, a year after he left the club.
Tony Brien, who was abused from age 12, said he felt senior figures at the club pressed him not to pursue the matter.
Then-assistant manager, Dave Richardson, strongly denies any role in deterring Mr Brien from going public.
Mr Richardson, who later became head of youth development at the Premier League, said he did everything possible to protect young players.