England manager Mark Sampson has been sacked by The FA, less than 24 hours after he led the side to a 6-0 win over Russia in a World Cup qualifier.
Sampson has been under pressure in recent months, as a result of allegations made by former player Eni Aluko towards the manager. Aluko claimed that Sampson used racially sensitive language towards her and another teammate.
A subsequent investigation found him innocent of any wrongdoing in that case.
The FA have confirmed that Sampson has been sacked over a different incident, which happened before he took the England job.
The Football Association can confirm that Mark Sampson’s contract as England Women’s head coach has been terminated with immediate effect.
Prior to taking charge of the national team in December 2013, Sampson was manager of Bristol Academy.
In 2014, safeguarding allegations were made against him about his time with Bristol Academy. The safeguarding assessment was that he did not pose a risk working in the game.
However, the full report of that investigation was only brought to the attention of the current FA leadership last week and it is our judgement that it revealed clear evidence of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour by a coach.
It is on this basis that we have acted quickly to agree a termination of Sampson’s contract.
In respect of investigations into specific allegations made by Eniola Aluko in 2016, The FA stands by the findings of the independent barrister Katharine Newton’s investigation.
Sampson has denied all of the accusations put to him and no evidence of wrong-doing was found.
We will continue to support the independent investigation as it reviews the recent evidence presented to it and publish any new findings and recommendations.
Sampson led England to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Canada in 2015. Earlier this summer the side also reached the semi-finals of the European Championships in the Netherlands.
