67 days after he was appointed, Sam Allardyce’s time as England manager is over.
On Monday evening, an undercover investigation by the Telegraph allegedly showed Allardyce – in a meeting with men claiming to represent a Far East company – appearing to say that the Football Association’s rules regarding third-party ownership can be bypassed.
Hours after FA chairman Greg Clarke indicated he would be investigating the allegations, it’s now been confirmed that Big Sam is no longer England boss.
A statement released by the FA said:
‘The FA can confirm that Sam Allardyce has left his position as England manager.
Allardyce’s conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised. However, due to the serious nature of his actions, The FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
This is not a decision that was taken lightly but The FA’s priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football. The manager of the England men’s senior team is a position which must demonstrate strong leadership and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times.
Gareth Southgate will take charge of the men’s senior team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain whilst The FA begins its search for the new England manager.
The FA wishes Sam well in the future.’
Allardyce has issued a statement of his own, which reads as follows:
‘Further to recent events, The FA and I have mutually agreed to part company.
‘It was a great honour for me to be appointed back in July and I am deeply disappointed at this outcome.
‘This afternoon, I met with Greg Clarke and Martin Glenn and offered a sincere and wholehearted apology for my actions.
‘Although it was made clear during the recorded conversations that any proposed arrangements would need The FA’s full approval, I recognise I made some comments which have caused embarrassment.
‘As part of today’s meeting, I was asked to clarify what I said and the context in which the conversations took place. I have co-operated fully in this regard.
‘I also regret my comments with regard to other individuals.’
Allardyce was appointed on July 22, weeks after England’s disappointing Euro 2016 exit at the hands of Iceland. His only game in charge of the team saw them record a last-gasp winner away in Slovakia as they started their World Cup qualifying campaign for 2018 with a 1-0 victory.
The FA will now look to appoint their second new England manager in the space of nine weeks.
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