The force said officers worked with the Football Association (FA) following Jefferson’s arrest to ensure appropriate safeguarding measures were taken.

Jefferson is no longer involved in the football league and no in-person violations have been reported, police added.

Det Staff Investigator Georgia Harries, who led the investigation for Derbyshire Police, said: “Jefferson was fully aware of the age of the girl he thought he was speaking to, but he continued to sending sexually explicit messages and trying to encourage him to perform. sexual acts.

“He had numerous opportunities to shut down conversations when the girl told him how old she was, but he still continued his depraved actions.

“Fortunately, in this case, the recipient of the messages was not a real child – and we were able to prevent other children from becoming victims.”

Derbyshire FA has been contacted for comment.