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You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/sep/27/englands-sam-allardyce-facing-fa-investigation-after-undercover-sting-live
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| FA confirm Sam Allardyce has left England job 'by mutual agreement' – as it happened | FA confirm Sam Allardyce has left England job 'by mutual agreement' – as it happened |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 9.26pm BST | 9.26pm BST |
| 21:26 | 21:26 |
| Summary | Summary |
| That’s it for tonight, at least for this liveblog. But there is plenty more to read on Big Sam’s departure. | That’s it for tonight, at least for this liveblog. But there is plenty more to read on Big Sam’s departure. |
| Thanks for reading, see you next time. Bye! | Thanks for reading, see you next time. Bye! |
| Updated | |
| at 10.12pm BST | |
| 9.24pm BST | 9.24pm BST |
| 21:24 | 21:24 |
| We know that Gareth Southgate will be at the helm for England for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain, but who is favourite to take the job on a more permanent position? | We know that Gareth Southgate will be at the helm for England for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain, but who is favourite to take the job on a more permanent position? |
| Southgate is the favourite, with Steve Bruce, Alan Pardew and Eddie Howe all candidates to succeed Allardyce, according to these odds. | Southgate is the favourite, with Steve Bruce, Alan Pardew and Eddie Howe all candidates to succeed Allardyce, according to these odds. |
| There is no greater condemnation of England than the state of some of these people apparently in the running for the job … | There is no greater condemnation of England than the state of some of these people apparently in the running for the job … |
| Harry Redknapp 25/1Neil Warnock 50/1Tim Sherwood 66/1Francesco Guidolin 66/1Alan Curbishley 66/1 | Harry Redknapp 25/1Neil Warnock 50/1Tim Sherwood 66/1Francesco Guidolin 66/1Alan Curbishley 66/1 |
| Roll on World Cup 2018! | Roll on World Cup 2018! |
| Goes without saying that every Wembley farce is greeted by sniggering in Zurich and Nyon and makes the moral high ground harder to hold. | Goes without saying that every Wembley farce is greeted by sniggering in Zurich and Nyon and makes the moral high ground harder to hold. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.43pm BST | at 9.43pm BST |
| 8.56pm BST | 8.56pm BST |
| 20:56 | 20:56 |
| FA chairman Greg Clarke, meanwhile, thinks Allardyce’s departure “is not embarrassing.” | FA chairman Greg Clarke, meanwhile, thinks Allardyce’s departure “is not embarrassing.” |
| Crucially, he also says that Allardyce could face further action from the FA’s disciplinary department, with an investigation pending. | Crucially, he also says that Allardyce could face further action from the FA’s disciplinary department, with an investigation pending. |
| Sam #Allardyce's resignation from the @England job is "sad" says @FA Chairman Greg Clarke https://t.co/L4kr0dGJWD | Sam #Allardyce's resignation from the @England job is "sad" says @FA Chairman Greg Clarke https://t.co/L4kr0dGJWD |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.42pm BST | at 9.42pm BST |
| 8.54pm BST | 8.54pm BST |
| 20:54 | 20:54 |
| Some more Martin Glenn quotes, straight from the FA’s website. Remember folks, the FA are the “guardians of the game.” Jesus wept. | Some more Martin Glenn quotes, straight from the FA’s website. Remember folks, the FA are the “guardians of the game.” Jesus wept. |
| Just how hard was that decision, given it has come so soon in Sam’s reign? | Just how hard was that decision, given it has come so soon in Sam’s reign? |
| “It’s been a really painful decision because obviously we’ve only just hired Sam, and Sam we think is a great fit for England manager and we think could have been extremely successful. But The FA is more than just running the England men’s team. We have to stand up for the right behaviours across the whole game. | “It’s been a really painful decision because obviously we’ve only just hired Sam, and Sam we think is a great fit for England manager and we think could have been extremely successful. But The FA is more than just running the England men’s team. We have to stand up for the right behaviours across the whole game. |
| “We are the guardians of the game – we set the rules and we have to be seen to apply those rules consistently and evenly, whether you are the England manager or someone low down in the organisation. | “We are the guardians of the game – we set the rules and we have to be seen to apply those rules consistently and evenly, whether you are the England manager or someone low down in the organisation. |
| “That consistency, that trust that people have in us to behave in the appropriate manner, is core to what any football association is about and certainly true of the English football association. It’s a painful decision because we thought he was a great manager, but it’s the right decision if we are to protect the integrity of The FA.” | “That consistency, that trust that people have in us to behave in the appropriate manner, is core to what any football association is about and certainly true of the English football association. It’s a painful decision because we thought he was a great manager, but it’s the right decision if we are to protect the integrity of The FA.” |
| It is a mutual decision. How has Sam taken the news? | It is a mutual decision. How has Sam taken the news? |
| “Sam is absolutely distraught. He recognises that he made a terrible error of judgement and I think that he recognises as well that, whilst it’s a tough decision that The FA is taking, he can see that at least we have a point. | “Sam is absolutely distraught. He recognises that he made a terrible error of judgement and I think that he recognises as well that, whilst it’s a tough decision that The FA is taking, he can see that at least we have a point. |
| “Once again, I have to say how personally disappointed I am. I thought Sam had already made a big difference to The FA – he came to St. George’s Park and showed real leadership there and had clear enthusiasm for the job at hand. | “Once again, I have to say how personally disappointed I am. I thought Sam had already made a big difference to The FA – he came to St. George’s Park and showed real leadership there and had clear enthusiasm for the job at hand. |
| “I know personally that he is deeply, deeply upset and deeply regrets the error of judgement but I also think that he understands why The FA has had to take this tough decision.” | “I know personally that he is deeply, deeply upset and deeply regrets the error of judgement but I also think that he understands why The FA has had to take this tough decision.” |
| What happens next? The squad, of course, is due to meet up in less than a week ahead of the games against Malta and Slovenia. | What happens next? The squad, of course, is due to meet up in less than a week ahead of the games against Malta and Slovenia. |
| “We’re in good hands. Gareth Southgate, the under-21 coach who has got really good international experience and Premier League experience, will take charge of the team for the next four games, from Malta through to the friendly against Spain. | “We’re in good hands. Gareth Southgate, the under-21 coach who has got really good international experience and Premier League experience, will take charge of the team for the next four games, from Malta through to the friendly against Spain. |
| “He’s got good back-office support and we’ll be having a planning meeting with him later on this week, and we plan to go and win those games.” | “He’s got good back-office support and we’ll be having a planning meeting with him later on this week, and we plan to go and win those games.” |
| In terms of securing a permanent replacement, how will that process work? | In terms of securing a permanent replacement, how will that process work? |
| “It’s been a busy 24 hours, so you might imagine that we haven’t got a process in place but job one is to secure the England team, which with Gareth we are doing. | “It’s been a busy 24 hours, so you might imagine that we haven’t got a process in place but job one is to secure the England team, which with Gareth we are doing. |
| “Job two is to reflect on what lessons need to be learned from what we’ve just gone through and how that might approach a new search – but I think the criteria of the person we’re looking for will stay the same. | “Job two is to reflect on what lessons need to be learned from what we’ve just gone through and how that might approach a new search – but I think the criteria of the person we’re looking for will stay the same. |
| “The challenge is, with a very talented group of England players, how do you get the best out of them in tournaments? That’s still the job to be done.” | “The challenge is, with a very talented group of England players, how do you get the best out of them in tournaments? That’s still the job to be done.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.54pm BST | at 8.54pm BST |
| 8.43pm BST | 8.43pm BST |
| 20:43 | 20:43 |
| With all this excitement, you might forget that it’s a Champions League night. Here are the half-time scores: | With all this excitement, you might forget that it’s a Champions League night. Here are the half-time scores: |
| You can follow minute-by-minute coverage of Leicester City v Porto and CSKA Moscow v Tottenham Hotspur right here: | You can follow minute-by-minute coverage of Leicester City v Porto and CSKA Moscow v Tottenham Hotspur right here: |
| 8.36pm BST | 8.36pm BST |
| 20:36 | 20:36 |
| FA chief executive Martin Glenn has spoken | FA chief executive Martin Glenn has spoken |
| A very difficult 24 hours, in light of the media allegations that we’ve seen, we’ve decided, and Sam has agreed that his behaviour has been inappropriate, and frankly not what is expected of an England manager discussing a range of issues from potential contravention of FA rules through to personal comments that frankly just don’t work when you’re the manager of England.” | A very difficult 24 hours, in light of the media allegations that we’ve seen, we’ve decided, and Sam has agreed that his behaviour has been inappropriate, and frankly not what is expected of an England manager discussing a range of issues from potential contravention of FA rules through to personal comments that frankly just don’t work when you’re the manager of England.” |
| So now he’s not. | So now he’s not. |
| FA chief executive Martin Glenn speaks about the decision to end Sam Allardyce's tenure as @England manager: pic.twitter.com/eOmyxweEs0 | FA chief executive Martin Glenn speaks about the decision to end Sam Allardyce's tenure as @England manager: pic.twitter.com/eOmyxweEs0 |
| 8.29pm BST | 8.29pm BST |
| 20:29 | 20:29 |
| Two other England managers have lasted just one match in charge (albeit on a caretaker basis): | Two other England managers have lasted just one match in charge (albeit on a caretaker basis): |
| At least Allardyce leaves with a 100% record. Something to hold onto, Sam! | At least Allardyce leaves with a 100% record. Something to hold onto, Sam! |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.59pm BST | at 9.59pm BST |
| 8.06pm BST | 8.06pm BST |
| 20:06 | 20:06 |
| Sam Allardyce statement: I regret my comments | Sam Allardyce statement: I regret my comments |
| 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. | 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.” | 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.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 8.07pm BST | at 8.07pm BST |
| 7.53pm BST | 7.53pm BST |
| 19:53 | 19:53 |
| Unrelated managerial pattern. 1 Make Wayne Rooney captain 2 Get sacked. He's burning through them these days | Unrelated managerial pattern. 1 Make Wayne Rooney captain 2 Get sacked. He's burning through them these days |
| 7.52pm BST | 7.52pm BST |
| 19:52 | 19:52 |
| Gareth Southgate oversees England's World Cup qualifiers against Malta, Slovenia and Scotland, and the friendly against Spain | Gareth Southgate oversees England's World Cup qualifiers against Malta, Slovenia and Scotland, and the friendly against Spain |
| 7.49pm BST | 7.49pm BST |
| 19:49 | 19:49 |
| FA confirms they have have "mutually agreed to terminate Allardyce's contract with immediate effect" | FA confirms they have have "mutually agreed to terminate Allardyce's contract with immediate effect" |
| The FA have released a statement, confirming Allardyce’s departure: | The FA have released a statement, confirming Allardyce’s departure: |
| The FA can confirm that Sam Allardyce has left his position as England manager. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | The FA wishes Sam well in the future. |
| 7.36pm BST | 7.36pm BST |
| 19:36 | 19:36 |
| Confirmed: Sam Allardyce to leave England job | Confirmed: Sam Allardyce to leave England job |
| 7.30pm BST | 7.30pm BST |
| 19:30 | 19:30 |
| Allardyce gone, expect Gareth Southgate to take over as caretaker in the short term. | Allardyce gone, expect Gareth Southgate to take over as caretaker in the short term. |
| 7.08pm BST | 7.08pm BST |
| 19:08 | 19:08 |
| 7.02pm BST | 7.02pm BST |
| 19:02 | 19:02 |
| Reports: Allardyce offers his resignation | Reports: Allardyce offers his resignation |
| It is being widely reported that Sam Allardyce has offered his resignation and that his departure is expected to be confirmed shortly after today’s emergency talks. | It is being widely reported that Sam Allardyce has offered his resignation and that his departure is expected to be confirmed shortly after today’s emergency talks. |
| I suspect, when confirmation drops tonight that Sam Allardyce has left his position with England, it will be classed as "mutual agreement" | I suspect, when confirmation drops tonight that Sam Allardyce has left his position with England, it will be classed as "mutual agreement" |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 7.07pm BST | at 7.07pm BST |
| 6.50pm BST | 6.50pm BST |
| 18:50 | 18:50 |
| “Get that smile, I can’t imagine … I can’t imagine why we can’t get that smile.” | “Get that smile, I can’t imagine … I can’t imagine why we can’t get that smile.” |
| Better, simpler times. | Better, simpler times. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.50pm BST | at 6.50pm BST |
| 6.40pm BST | 6.40pm BST |
| 18:40 | 18:40 |
| Hello everyone. Should Allardyce depart, it is thought that Gareth Southgate will be the man to oversee England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia, on 8 October and 11 October respectively. | Hello everyone. Should Allardyce depart, it is thought that Gareth Southgate will be the man to oversee England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia, on 8 October and 11 October respectively. |
| Steve Bruce has replaced Alan Pardew as the bookies’ favourite to be the next permanent England manager, and it is unlikely that Southgate’s view on the permanent job will have shifted from the summer, when he distanced himself from the position before Allardyce was appointed. | Steve Bruce has replaced Alan Pardew as the bookies’ favourite to be the next permanent England manager, and it is unlikely that Southgate’s view on the permanent job will have shifted from the summer, when he distanced himself from the position before Allardyce was appointed. |
| 6.08pm BST | 6.08pm BST |
| 18:08 | 18:08 |
| More from PA: | More from PA: |
| The Telegraph will release the “relevant transcripts” to the FA following its investigation into alleged football corruption, a spokeswoman for the newspaper said. | The Telegraph will release the “relevant transcripts” to the FA following its investigation into alleged football corruption, a spokeswoman for the newspaper said. |
| But not full transcripts. Hmmmm https://t.co/MAWuipChAA | But not full transcripts. Hmmmm https://t.co/MAWuipChAA |
| Not having full transcripts obvs gives FA a problem. Can they sack Allardyce based on incomplete evidence? | Not having full transcripts obvs gives FA a problem. Can they sack Allardyce based on incomplete evidence? |
| With that, time to hand over to Michael Butler. Thanks for reading so far on what’s proving to be a very curious day. | With that, time to hand over to Michael Butler. Thanks for reading so far on what’s proving to be a very curious day. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.12pm BST | at 6.12pm BST |
| 6.02pm BST | 6.02pm BST |
| 18:02 | 18:02 |
| The meany-moo bookies are, predictably, circling the situation like vultures, and if Sam’s post were to become vacant, the second favourite to replace him is Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe. | The meany-moo bookies are, predictably, circling the situation like vultures, and if Sam’s post were to become vacant, the second favourite to replace him is Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe. |
| Another attendee at Soccerex is Howe’s chairman, Jeff Mostyn, who joked that – for his club’s sake – he hoped the outcome of the current furore was for Allardyce to emerge with “another five-year contract”. | Another attendee at Soccerex is Howe’s chairman, Jeff Mostyn, who joked that – for his club’s sake – he hoped the outcome of the current furore was for Allardyce to emerge with “another five-year contract”. |
| Beyond that, it’s all diplomacy and tin hats. According to the Press Association … | Beyond that, it’s all diplomacy and tin hats. According to the Press Association … |
| When pressed for a reaction to the Allardyce comments, Mostyn said it would be “inappropriate” for him to speculate about “alleged offences” and it was a matter for Allardyce and the FA. | When pressed for a reaction to the Allardyce comments, Mostyn said it would be “inappropriate” for him to speculate about “alleged offences” and it was a matter for Allardyce and the FA. |
| “As far as Eddie is concerned, he has a contract with AFC Bournemouth and he says he wants to stay and I hope he does for many years,” said Mostyn. | “As far as Eddie is concerned, he has a contract with AFC Bournemouth and he says he wants to stay and I hope he does for many years,” said Mostyn. |
| 5.56pm BST | 5.56pm BST |
| 17:56 | 17:56 |
| Former FA executive Adrian Bevington: situation is 'very embarrassing' | Former FA executive Adrian Bevington: situation is 'very embarrassing' |
| The former Club England managing director Adrian Bevington has described Allardyce’s current predicament as “very embarrassing” for him and The FA. | The former Club England managing director Adrian Bevington has described Allardyce’s current predicament as “very embarrassing” for him and The FA. |
| The quote, made at the Soccerex conference in Manchester, echoes one of his earlier comments to Talksport: | The quote, made at the Soccerex conference in Manchester, echoes one of his earlier comments to Talksport: |
| This is so early into his reign and I’m sure there is still a hell of a lot of goodwill for Sam within the organisation, particularly with those people who appointed him. | This is so early into his reign and I’m sure there is still a hell of a lot of goodwill for Sam within the organisation, particularly with those people who appointed him. |
| “It’s not helpful, but I don’t believe it would be so problematic that it would prevent him from working with the England players in the future, that’s for sure. But, if Sam does come through this, it’s still highly embarrassing for him. | “It’s not helpful, but I don’t believe it would be so problematic that it would prevent him from working with the England players in the future, that’s for sure. But, if Sam does come through this, it’s still highly embarrassing for him. |
| “When you are England manager, you’re not just a football manager, you’re also someone who is very much public property. Therefore, wherever you are in your life when you’re in the job, you are under a greater level of scrutiny than you have ever been and will ever be in before, and more than most people will ever encounter.” | “When you are England manager, you’re not just a football manager, you’re also someone who is very much public property. Therefore, wherever you are in your life when you’re in the job, you are under a greater level of scrutiny than you have ever been and will ever be in before, and more than most people will ever encounter.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.17pm BST | at 6.17pm BST |
| 5.46pm BST | 5.46pm BST |
| 17:46 | 17:46 |
| The agent who arranged the meeting that formed that basis of Sam Allardyce’s current predicament says he set it up in good faith. | The agent who arranged the meeting that formed that basis of Sam Allardyce’s current predicament says he set it up in good faith. |
| This just in from the Press Association: | This just in from the Press Association: |
| Football agent Scott McGarvey has said the meeting he arranged for Sam Allardyce with what turned out to be a fictitious firm was arranged in good faith, according to his solicitor. McGarvey is said to have been “shocked” by the turn of events, and adamant he has not engaged in any wrongdoing. | Football agent Scott McGarvey has said the meeting he arranged for Sam Allardyce with what turned out to be a fictitious firm was arranged in good faith, according to his solicitor. McGarvey is said to have been “shocked” by the turn of events, and adamant he has not engaged in any wrongdoing. |
| Graham Small, a partner at Manchester-based JMW Solicitors, representing McGarvey, said his client had been “naive” and is denying comments being attributed to him. | Graham Small, a partner at Manchester-based JMW Solicitors, representing McGarvey, said his client had been “naive” and is denying comments being attributed to him. |
| “Mr McGarvey has admitted being eager to impress what he believed to be prospective employers and, in doing so, had perhaps embellished certain comments made during the meetings in question,” Small said in a statement. “However, he vehemently denies making remarks which are being attributed to him. Some, including his apparently having done business with certain club managers, are simply not borne out by fact. | “Mr McGarvey has admitted being eager to impress what he believed to be prospective employers and, in doing so, had perhaps embellished certain comments made during the meetings in question,” Small said in a statement. “However, he vehemently denies making remarks which are being attributed to him. Some, including his apparently having done business with certain club managers, are simply not borne out by fact. |
| “Mr McGarvey had merely helped arrange meetings in good faith to further what he believed to be a legitimate business venture. He was so convinced by the job offer made to him that, far from profiting from these exchanges, he even incurred debts trying to support the development of the new project. | “Mr McGarvey had merely helped arrange meetings in good faith to further what he believed to be a legitimate business venture. He was so convinced by the job offer made to him that, far from profiting from these exchanges, he even incurred debts trying to support the development of the new project. |
| “As soon as a series of allegations were put to him, he responded immediately and in full and, furthermore, has made clear his willingness to help those leading the investigation announced by the Football Association establish the truth of what happened. | “As soon as a series of allegations were put to him, he responded immediately and in full and, furthermore, has made clear his willingness to help those leading the investigation announced by the Football Association establish the truth of what happened. |
| “Given that he is still involved in the football industry, he is rightly concerned about the possibility of his good name being impugned and he intends to vigorously defend his reputation.” | “Given that he is still involved in the football industry, he is rightly concerned about the possibility of his good name being impugned and he intends to vigorously defend his reputation.” |
| 5.32pm BST | 5.32pm BST |
| 17:32 | 17:32 |
| As it was only 67 days ago, it’s hard to not have a peek back at The FA’s statement announcing Big Sam’s appointment as England manager. | As it was only 67 days ago, it’s hard to not have a peek back at The FA’s statement announcing Big Sam’s appointment as England manager. |
| The unanimous choice of The FA’s three-man selection panel, comprising FA chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and acting chairman David Gill, Allardyce arrives with a proven track record of getting the best results out of the teams he has managed and a strong reputation as a forward-thinker with progressive ideas … | The unanimous choice of The FA’s three-man selection panel, comprising FA chief executive Martin Glenn, technical director Dan Ashworth and acting chairman David Gill, Allardyce arrives with a proven track record of getting the best results out of the teams he has managed and a strong reputation as a forward-thinker with progressive ideas … |
| Allardyce said: “I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football. | Allardyce said: “I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football. |
| “I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.” | “I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.” |
| Glenn said: “Sam Allardyce is the right man for the England job. His excellent managerial credentials, including his ability to realise the potential of players and teams, develop a strong team ethos and embrace modern methods that enhance performance, made him the outstanding choice … | Glenn said: “Sam Allardyce is the right man for the England job. His excellent managerial credentials, including his ability to realise the potential of players and teams, develop a strong team ethos and embrace modern methods that enhance performance, made him the outstanding choice … |
| “Dan Ashworth, David Gill and I have carried out a thorough process in the last three weeks and ultimately we could not look beyond Sam as the ideal candidate.” | “Dan Ashworth, David Gill and I have carried out a thorough process in the last three weeks and ultimately we could not look beyond Sam as the ideal candidate.” |
| All very glowing, but I wonder if they’re feeling any less enamoured with their choice given today’s events? | All very glowing, but I wonder if they’re feeling any less enamoured with their choice given today’s events? |
| 5.17pm BST | 5.17pm BST |
| 17:17 | 17:17 |
| The FA’s former communications director Julian Eccles has spoken to the BBC about a potential way forward for Allardyce, involving naming names of those who the England manager says are navigating their way around the rules related to the third-party ownership of players … | The FA’s former communications director Julian Eccles has spoken to the BBC about a potential way forward for Allardyce, involving naming names of those who the England manager says are navigating their way around the rules related to the third-party ownership of players … |
| We cannot have such a senior figure in our game being so disrespectful of such important rules and also having his head turned by the prospect of earning extra money by an outside commercial organisation. | We cannot have such a senior figure in our game being so disrespectful of such important rules and also having his head turned by the prospect of earning extra money by an outside commercial organisation. |
| “The only way he can survive is if he apologises profusely for this, secondly that he declares himself to be absolutely devoted, single-mindedly, to England’s qualification for the World Cup – and does not take any outside commercial interests. And thirdly, that he provides evidence to the FA of these agents who he says are still indulging in this malpractice. | “The only way he can survive is if he apologises profusely for this, secondly that he declares himself to be absolutely devoted, single-mindedly, to England’s qualification for the World Cup – and does not take any outside commercial interests. And thirdly, that he provides evidence to the FA of these agents who he says are still indulging in this malpractice. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.19pm BST | at 5.19pm BST |
| 5.06pm BST | 5.06pm BST |
| 17:06 | 17:06 |
| Here’s a little more on the breaking Nigel Pearson news … | Here’s a little more on the breaking Nigel Pearson news … |
| Derby County have told their manager Nigel Pearson to stay away from their Tuesday night fixture against Cardiff City. | Derby County have told their manager Nigel Pearson to stay away from their Tuesday night fixture against Cardiff City. |
| The former Leicester City manager has been in charge since the summer but has won only two of his 12 games at the club. The Rams are 22nd in the Championship after nine games, having scored just three goals and won only once. | The former Leicester City manager has been in charge since the summer but has won only two of his 12 games at the club. The Rams are 22nd in the Championship after nine games, having scored just three goals and won only once. |
| “Derby County can confirm that manager Nigel Pearson will not be carrying out his duties at tonight’s game at the request of the club,” said the club in a statement. | “Derby County can confirm that manager Nigel Pearson will not be carrying out his duties at tonight’s game at the request of the club,” said the club in a statement. |
| “Assistant manager Chris Powell will take charge of the team for this evening’s Sky Bet Championship match at Cardiff City. The club will make no further comment at this time.” | “Assistant manager Chris Powell will take charge of the team for this evening’s Sky Bet Championship match at Cardiff City. The club will make no further comment at this time.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.07pm BST | at 5.07pm BST |
| 5.03pm BST | 5.03pm BST |
| 17:03 | 17:03 |
| Today’s Fiver has landed. And you’ll never guess who the subject is … | Today’s Fiver has landed. And you’ll never guess who the subject is … |
| There is a splendid second-hand anecdote in Joey Barton’s autobiography, No Nonsense, that features a young Sam Allardyce, wearing a thong and basted to within an inch of his life with suntan lotion on a Spanish beach, being buried up to his neck for hours as a forfeit for losing a wrestling match with one of his Preston team-mates and becoming so hungry during his incarceration that he ate 14 fried eggs in one sitting afterwards. | There is a splendid second-hand anecdote in Joey Barton’s autobiography, No Nonsense, that features a young Sam Allardyce, wearing a thong and basted to within an inch of his life with suntan lotion on a Spanish beach, being buried up to his neck for hours as a forfeit for losing a wrestling match with one of his Preston team-mates and becoming so hungry during his incarceration that he ate 14 fried eggs in one sitting afterwards. |
| While The Fiver is prepared to doubt the veracity of this possibly apocryphal story on the grounds that we can’t imagine how anyone covered in lotion could possibly be pinned into submission for a three-count, we couldn’t help but wonder if Big Sam wasn’t perhaps yearning for those days of puckish seaside abandon on the long drive to meet his bosses at FA HQ on Tuesday morning. It might be his head that he would now rather have buried in the sand … | While The Fiver is prepared to doubt the veracity of this possibly apocryphal story on the grounds that we can’t imagine how anyone covered in lotion could possibly be pinned into submission for a three-count, we couldn’t help but wonder if Big Sam wasn’t perhaps yearning for those days of puckish seaside abandon on the long drive to meet his bosses at FA HQ on Tuesday morning. It might be his head that he would now rather have buried in the sand … |
| Read it in full here. To ensure you don’t have to rely on live blogs for such links to our tea-timely email, sign up here. | Read it in full here. To ensure you don’t have to rely on live blogs for such links to our tea-timely email, sign up here. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.03pm BST | at 5.03pm BST |
| 5.00pm BST | 5.00pm BST |
| 17:00 | 17:00 |
| Bit of legal insight on what could happen next from Greg Burgess, an employment law specialist at DMH Stallard: | Bit of legal insight on what could happen next from Greg Burgess, an employment law specialist at DMH Stallard: |
| Allardyce is apparently on a contract which sees him through to the end of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The FA’s lawyers will be focusing on two key parts of his contract – firstly, they will look to see what provisions there are for early termination on notice; secondly, they may look at whether Allardyce’s actions are sufficient to justify summary dismissal, without notice or any further payment. | Allardyce is apparently on a contract which sees him through to the end of the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The FA’s lawyers will be focusing on two key parts of his contract – firstly, they will look to see what provisions there are for early termination on notice; secondly, they may look at whether Allardyce’s actions are sufficient to justify summary dismissal, without notice or any further payment. |
| If they deem his comments to the undercover reporters do show a severe breach of trust, or a breach of a code of conduct that is central to the contract, then this may justify summary dismissal. If we see an agreed statement to the press, then that may suggest a deal has been done through which the FA pay monies to Allardyce, but the precise terms would inevitably be subject to confidentiality obligations.” | If they deem his comments to the undercover reporters do show a severe breach of trust, or a breach of a code of conduct that is central to the contract, then this may justify summary dismissal. If we see an agreed statement to the press, then that may suggest a deal has been done through which the FA pay monies to Allardyce, but the precise terms would inevitably be subject to confidentiality obligations.” |
| 4.50pm BST | 4.50pm BST |
| 16:50 | 16:50 |
| Little bit of breaking news involving another with England links – the former under-21s caretaker manager Nigel Pearson, who was a 50-1 shot for the senior side’s vacancy earlier in the year, “will not be carrying out his duties” for Derby County at tonight’s league match at Cardiff. | Little bit of breaking news involving another with England links – the former under-21s caretaker manager Nigel Pearson, who was a 50-1 shot for the senior side’s vacancy earlier in the year, “will not be carrying out his duties” for Derby County at tonight’s league match at Cardiff. |
| A statement on the club’s website says: | A statement on the club’s website says: |
| “Derby County can confirm that manager Nigel Pearson will not be carrying out his duties at tonight’s game at the request of the club. | “Derby County can confirm that manager Nigel Pearson will not be carrying out his duties at tonight’s game at the request of the club. |
| “Assistant manager Chris Powell will take charge of the team for this evening’s Sky Bet Championship match at Cardiff City. The club will make no further comment at this time.” | “Assistant manager Chris Powell will take charge of the team for this evening’s Sky Bet Championship match at Cardiff City. The club will make no further comment at this time.” |
| 4.41pm BST | 4.41pm BST |
| 16:41 | 16:41 |
| A different angle on what emerged in Allardyce’s meeting with undercover reporters, and a very interesting one. | A different angle on what emerged in Allardyce’s meeting with undercover reporters, and a very interesting one. |
| Claire Mitchell, a research speech and language therapist at the University of Manchester, argues that Allardyce’s ridiculing of Roy Hodgson’s speech should be grounds for dismissal in this Opinion piece … | Claire Mitchell, a research speech and language therapist at the University of Manchester, argues that Allardyce’s ridiculing of Roy Hodgson’s speech should be grounds for dismissal in this Opinion piece … |
| We know it is not acceptable in society today to offend or insult people because of their gender, race or disability. We also know it is not acceptable to be offensive to people because of the way they look, their weight and their hair colour. So why do we still find it acceptable to mock people for their speech and the way they sound? | We know it is not acceptable in society today to offend or insult people because of their gender, race or disability. We also know it is not acceptable to be offensive to people because of the way they look, their weight and their hair colour. So why do we still find it acceptable to mock people for their speech and the way they sound? |
| This is highlighted in the derogatory way the previous England football manager, Roy Hodgson, has been mocked again for the way he pronounces his “r” sound – this time by his successor. If Sam Allardyce does lose the job it won’t be for referring to Roy as “Woy” – but perhaps it should be. | This is highlighted in the derogatory way the previous England football manager, Roy Hodgson, has been mocked again for the way he pronounces his “r” sound – this time by his successor. If Sam Allardyce does lose the job it won’t be for referring to Roy as “Woy” – but perhaps it should be. |
| It still seems as though we feel it is OK to laugh at differences in speech and the way we sound. There are so many natural variations in speaking, some of us sound husky, some high-pitched, some monotonous, some nasal, some with a lisp, some may use an “f” sound instead of a “th”, some may be softly spoken, some loud. All perfectly acceptable ways of speaking that should not be worthy of comment. | It still seems as though we feel it is OK to laugh at differences in speech and the way we sound. There are so many natural variations in speaking, some of us sound husky, some high-pitched, some monotonous, some nasal, some with a lisp, some may use an “f” sound instead of a “th”, some may be softly spoken, some loud. All perfectly acceptable ways of speaking that should not be worthy of comment. |
| Read Claire’s piece in full here. | Read Claire’s piece in full here. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.47pm BST | at 4.47pm BST |
| 4.34pm BST | 4.34pm BST |
| 16:34 | 16:34 |
| Hello – Stuart here taking over from Tony. | Hello – Stuart here taking over from Tony. |
| While we await word from the FA’s talks with Allardyce, others have been weighing in. Earlier this afternoon Ian Wright was a guest on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Afternoon Edition: | While we await word from the FA’s talks with Allardyce, others have been weighing in. Earlier this afternoon Ian Wright was a guest on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Afternoon Edition: |
| Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright believes it would be a “a terrible shame” if Allardyce lost the England job for “non-footballing reasons”. | Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright believes it would be a “a terrible shame” if Allardyce lost the England job for “non-footballing reasons”. |
| “When you look at Sam and his career, he was never ever going to get the opportunity to manage a top four club. He got the England job and for him to now stand on the brink of losing that job is a crying shame.” | “When you look at Sam and his career, he was never ever going to get the opportunity to manage a top four club. He got the England job and for him to now stand on the brink of losing that job is a crying shame.” |
| Having been appointed to the England role in July on the back of a season in which Sunderland ended just two points clear of the relegation places, it would be interesting to see just what kind of posts a jobless Allardyce could attract in light of the fallout from the Telegraph’s investigation. | Having been appointed to the England role in July on the back of a season in which Sunderland ended just two points clear of the relegation places, it would be interesting to see just what kind of posts a jobless Allardyce could attract in light of the fallout from the Telegraph’s investigation. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.51pm BST | at 4.51pm BST |
| 4.17pm BST | 4.17pm BST |
| 16:17 | 16:17 |
| Kaveh Solhekol at Sky Sports is reporting that Sam Allardyce has finished his talks with Football Association executives for the day. The reporter also reveals on Twitter that he has been given a list of seven managers who have been “stung by the Telegraph”, including the names of “two ex-international” coaches. | Kaveh Solhekol at Sky Sports is reporting that Sam Allardyce has finished his talks with Football Association executives for the day. The reporter also reveals on Twitter that he has been given a list of seven managers who have been “stung by the Telegraph”, including the names of “two ex-international” coaches. |
| Sam Allardyce has held discussions with FA about his future. Discussions now over | Sam Allardyce has held discussions with FA about his future. Discussions now over |
| Given list with names of 7 managers who fear they've been stung by Telegraph just like Sam Allardyce. 5 English, 2 ex international managers | Given list with names of 7 managers who fear they've been stung by Telegraph just like Sam Allardyce. 5 English, 2 ex international managers |
| 4.02pm BST | 4.02pm BST |
| 16:02 | 16:02 |
| Damian Collins: Allardyce's position is untenable if allegations are true | Damian Collins: Allardyce's position is untenable if allegations are true |
| Damian Collins, the acting chair of the House of Commons select committee for culture, media and sport, says if the allegations against Allardyce are proven to be true the England manager’s position is “untenable”. The MP for Folkestone & Hythe has made his comments known on Twitter. | Damian Collins, the acting chair of the House of Commons select committee for culture, media and sport, says if the allegations against Allardyce are proven to be true the England manager’s position is “untenable”. The MP for Folkestone & Hythe has made his comments known on Twitter. |
| Allardyce story leaves big questions for FA on policing 3rd party ownership rules and for the broader poor culture of football governance | Allardyce story leaves big questions for FA on policing 3rd party ownership rules and for the broader poor culture of football governance |
| If the allegations against Sam Allardyce are proven to be true his position is simply untenable and he should resign @BBCNews | If the allegations against Sam Allardyce are proven to be true his position is simply untenable and he should resign @BBCNews |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 5.23pm BST | at 5.23pm BST |
| 3.58pm BST | 3.58pm BST |
| 15:58 | 15:58 |
| Veteran football scribe Brian Glanville has given Sam Allardyce short shrift today. “The very embodiment of greed ... a voracious lout,” he opines in his World Soccer piece. | Veteran football scribe Brian Glanville has given Sam Allardyce short shrift today. “The very embodiment of greed ... a voracious lout,” he opines in his World Soccer piece. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.04pm BST | at 4.04pm BST |
| 3.51pm BST | 3.51pm BST |
| 15:51 | 15:51 |
| Sam Allardyce is far from the first England manager to find himself embroiled in a problem that has nothing to do with his ability to coach the national team. Dominic Fifield takes us on an entertaining tour of ‘England managers and off-field controversies: from Revie to Hodgson’. | Sam Allardyce is far from the first England manager to find himself embroiled in a problem that has nothing to do with his ability to coach the national team. Dominic Fifield takes us on an entertaining tour of ‘England managers and off-field controversies: from Revie to Hodgson’. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 3.53pm BST | at 3.53pm BST |
| 3.46pm BST | 3.46pm BST |
| 15:46 | 15:46 |
| 2.43pm BST | 2.43pm BST |
| 14:43 | 14:43 |
| New information released by the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday claims Sam Allardyce also complained about the United Kingdom’s tax system, taking aim at HM Revenue and Customs. | New information released by the Daily Telegraph on Tuesday claims Sam Allardyce also complained about the United Kingdom’s tax system, taking aim at HM Revenue and Customs. |
| The England manager was reported to have said: “The most corrupt business in our country would be what? You’ll be shocked when I tell you this - HMRC. | The England manager was reported to have said: “The most corrupt business in our country would be what? You’ll be shocked when I tell you this - HMRC. |
| “They fly out tax demands without any real knowledge whether they should or shouldn’t. They just put ‘em out willy-nilly and if you pay them, people s*** themselves and pay them. | “They fly out tax demands without any real knowledge whether they should or shouldn’t. They just put ‘em out willy-nilly and if you pay them, people s*** themselves and pay them. |
| “Then they go to their accountant and say, and if you’ve got a s*** accountant, the account s**** himself and says, well you must owe them, you had better pay it.” | “Then they go to their accountant and say, and if you’ve got a s*** accountant, the account s**** himself and says, well you must owe them, you had better pay it.” |
| Exclusive: Sam Allardyce claimed HMRC is 'the most corrupt business in Britain' #football4sale https://t.co/QZPrvA5Gh7 pic.twitter.com/OwAncqXEtc | Exclusive: Sam Allardyce claimed HMRC is 'the most corrupt business in Britain' #football4sale https://t.co/QZPrvA5Gh7 pic.twitter.com/OwAncqXEtc |
| 2.28pm BST | 2.28pm BST |
| 14:28 | 14:28 |
| Wondering what third party ownership is and why it's been banned? Thought not, but here's a video we made in 2014: https://t.co/w9k3vmuZr7 | Wondering what third party ownership is and why it's been banned? Thought not, but here's a video we made in 2014: https://t.co/w9k3vmuZr7 |
| 1.48pm BST | 1.48pm BST |
| 13:48 | 13:48 |
| One question which will arise from the Sam Allardyce story is the ethical one about using undercover reporters to gather information. The Guardian’s media commentator Roy Greenslade has given his verdict and thinks the Telegraph was justified in the sting operation it carried out. | One question which will arise from the Sam Allardyce story is the ethical one about using undercover reporters to gather information. The Guardian’s media commentator Roy Greenslade has given his verdict and thinks the Telegraph was justified in the sting operation it carried out. |
| My unhesitating answer, based on my reading of the newspaper’s articles (and not on any extra inside knowledge) is yes. | My unhesitating answer, based on my reading of the newspaper’s articles (and not on any extra inside knowledge) is yes. |
| There is a clear public interest justification in knowing that a man employed by the Football Association is offering advice on how to circumvent its rules. | There is a clear public interest justification in knowing that a man employed by the Football Association is offering advice on how to circumvent its rules. |
| The Sam Allardyce story puts the journalistic use of subterfuge under the spotlight once more. Was the Daily Telegraph right to launch what amounts to a sting operation to expose the England football manager? | The Sam Allardyce story puts the journalistic use of subterfuge under the spotlight once more. Was the Daily Telegraph right to launch what amounts to a sting operation to expose the England football manager? |
| You can read the full story here. | You can read the full story here. |
| Why the Daily Telegraph's Sam Allardyce sting was justified https://t.co/cuwUBV44WV pic.twitter.com/9vSvDPbwAx | Why the Daily Telegraph's Sam Allardyce sting was justified https://t.co/cuwUBV44WV pic.twitter.com/9vSvDPbwAx |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 2.00pm BST | at 2.00pm BST |
| 1.38pm BST | 1.38pm BST |
| 13:38 | 13:38 |
| West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has said she is “saddened and disappointed” at the allegations against Allardyce. Brady worked alongside the England manager when he was Hammers manager from 2011 to 2015. | West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has said she is “saddened and disappointed” at the allegations against Allardyce. Brady worked alongside the England manager when he was Hammers manager from 2011 to 2015. |
| “This is a man who spent his whole life trying to get that job and got it in his 60s,” she told BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat. “And what a great shame if he loses that job through non-footballing reasons. And I think he’ll be disappointed in himself.” | “This is a man who spent his whole life trying to get that job and got it in his 60s,” she told BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat. “And what a great shame if he loses that job through non-footballing reasons. And I think he’ll be disappointed in himself.” |
| 1.35pm BST | 1.35pm BST |
| 13:35 | 13:35 |
| Arsène Wenger has said he hopes Sam Allardyce can keep his job as the England manager heads to Wembley for talks with Football Association executives about his future following the widely publicised comments he made to undercover reporters. | Arsène Wenger has said he hopes Sam Allardyce can keep his job as the England manager heads to Wembley for talks with Football Association executives about his future following the widely publicised comments he made to undercover reporters. |
| In response to a question requesting his comments about the Telegraph story, the Arsenal manager said: “I can’t tell you anything about Sam because I don’t know. I really haven’t read the story. I wouldn’t like to come out on that as the story is too heavy. Let Sam defend himself and just hope he will clear his name.” | In response to a question requesting his comments about the Telegraph story, the Arsenal manager said: “I can’t tell you anything about Sam because I don’t know. I really haven’t read the story. I wouldn’t like to come out on that as the story is too heavy. Let Sam defend himself and just hope he will clear his name.” |
| Wenger was more robust on the issue of FA rules which stop third parties “owning” football players’ economic rights. “Yes it should not be allowed,” he said. “I have fought against it for a long long time. Clubs should possess 100% of their players. | Wenger was more robust on the issue of FA rules which stop third parties “owning” football players’ economic rights. “Yes it should not be allowed,” he said. “I have fought against it for a long long time. Clubs should possess 100% of their players. |
| “I could write a book about transfers, transfers done in a proper way,” Wenger added. Every transfer is a story, every time you renew a contract it’s a long story. You want the truth always to come out but for our fans I can say they can sleep without any problem. For the rest I don’t know I just care about our own transfers.” | “I could write a book about transfers, transfers done in a proper way,” Wenger added. Every transfer is a story, every time you renew a contract it’s a long story. You want the truth always to come out but for our fans I can say they can sleep without any problem. For the rest I don’t know I just care about our own transfers.” |
| 1.07pm BST | 1.07pm BST |
| 13:07 | 13:07 |
| Chico Flores is having the last laugh on Twitter over the Sam Allardyce affair. Back in 2013 the former Swansea defender was laughed at by Allardyce, who was then West Ham manager, when the player went down rather dramatically after a clash with the Hammers’ Carlton Cole. Here’s footage of the incident from the Clare Balding show on BT Sport. This morning Flores couldn’t help but have a dig. | Chico Flores is having the last laugh on Twitter over the Sam Allardyce affair. Back in 2013 the former Swansea defender was laughed at by Allardyce, who was then West Ham manager, when the player went down rather dramatically after a clash with the Hammers’ Carlton Cole. Here’s footage of the incident from the Clare Balding show on BT Sport. This morning Flores couldn’t help but have a dig. |
| 😎 pic.twitter.com/0GckjawZqO | 😎 pic.twitter.com/0GckjawZqO |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 1.11pm BST | at 1.11pm BST |
| 12.40pm BST | 12.40pm BST |
| 12:40 | 12:40 |
| FA holding crisis talks | FA holding crisis talks |
| The Football Association hierarchy are holding a series of emergency meetings at Wembley to determine the future of the England manager, Sam Allardyce, after allegations he offered advice on how to circumvent the governing body’s rules on player transfers. | The Football Association hierarchy are holding a series of emergency meetings at Wembley to determine the future of the England manager, Sam Allardyce, after allegations he offered advice on how to circumvent the governing body’s rules on player transfers. |
| The FA’s recently appointed chairman, Greg Clarke, is speaking with the chief executive, Martin Glenn, to discuss the comments made by Allardyce to undercover reporters from the Daily Telegraph. The hierarchy are understood to be disturbed by the allegations, which were made in two meetings secretly filmed in London and Manchester and surfaced just 67 days after Allardyce had secured what he had claimed was his “dream job”. | The FA’s recently appointed chairman, Greg Clarke, is speaking with the chief executive, Martin Glenn, to discuss the comments made by Allardyce to undercover reporters from the Daily Telegraph. The hierarchy are understood to be disturbed by the allegations, which were made in two meetings secretly filmed in London and Manchester and surfaced just 67 days after Allardyce had secured what he had claimed was his “dream job”. |
| You can read the full story here. | You can read the full story here. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.41pm BST | at 12.41pm BST |
| 12.23pm BST | 12.23pm BST |
| 12:23 | 12:23 |
| Sky Sports are reporting that Sam Allardyce is adamant his actions were not corrupt and that he was “badly advised” over his meeting with the reporters posing as Far East businessmen. The England manager has also told them he will be issuing an apology to his predecessor Roy Hodgson over remarks he made about him. | Sky Sports are reporting that Sam Allardyce is adamant his actions were not corrupt and that he was “badly advised” over his meeting with the reporters posing as Far East businessmen. The England manager has also told them he will be issuing an apology to his predecessor Roy Hodgson over remarks he made about him. |
| Sam Allardyce believes his comments ill advised but not corrupt, and he plans to apologise to Roy Hodgson for "deeply embarrassing" comments | Sam Allardyce believes his comments ill advised but not corrupt, and he plans to apologise to Roy Hodgson for "deeply embarrassing" comments |
| Allardyce will tell FA he was approached about giving speeches on motivation and management not football & told hacks he'd need FA approval | Allardyce will tell FA he was approached about giving speeches on motivation and management not football & told hacks he'd need FA approval |
| Allardyce will say he was asked to give opinion on 3rd party ownership but now understands as England manager he was wrong to offer opinion | Allardyce will say he was asked to give opinion on 3rd party ownership but now understands as England manager he was wrong to offer opinion |
| 12.07pm BST | 12.07pm BST |
| 12:07 | 12:07 |
| Allardyce heads for FA crunch talks | Allardyce heads for FA crunch talks |
| The Guardian has spoken to the chairman of the Football Association, Greg Clarke, who has confirmed that no decision has been taken on Sam Allardyce’s future. The England manager is understood to be on his way to Wembley where his future is being discussed by Clarke and FA chief executive Martin Glenn. | The Guardian has spoken to the chairman of the Football Association, Greg Clarke, who has confirmed that no decision has been taken on Sam Allardyce’s future. The England manager is understood to be on his way to Wembley where his future is being discussed by Clarke and FA chief executive Martin Glenn. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 12.32pm BST | at 12.32pm BST |
| 11.25am BST | 11.25am BST |
| 11:25 | 11:25 |
| Some reaction via Twitter to the Sam Allardyce sting and the fallout. | Some reaction via Twitter to the Sam Allardyce sting and the fallout. |
| We can get on our high horses about FIFA etc. but we have a large glass house of our own. | We can get on our high horses about FIFA etc. but we have a large glass house of our own. |
| The main problem for Sam Allardyce is that he appears to be giving advice on how to get around third party ownership rules. | The main problem for Sam Allardyce is that he appears to be giving advice on how to get around third party ownership rules. |
| One of Allardyce's biggest problems is - and always has been - the people he surrounds himself with. At the very least that needs addressing | One of Allardyce's biggest problems is - and always has been - the people he surrounds himself with. At the very least that needs addressing |
| 10.57am BST | 10.57am BST |
| 10:57 | 10:57 |
| Pressure group Transparency International have responded to the revelations overnight by suggesting that suspensions may be necessary. “We would expect the Football Association – and any clubs implicated – to launch an immediate and independent investigation in response to any substantiated allegations to help keep the game clean in this country,” stated their executive director Robert Barrington, whose full statement reads: | Pressure group Transparency International have responded to the revelations overnight by suggesting that suspensions may be necessary. “We would expect the Football Association – and any clubs implicated – to launch an immediate and independent investigation in response to any substantiated allegations to help keep the game clean in this country,” stated their executive director Robert Barrington, whose full statement reads: |
| These are extremely serious allegations. The scandals at FIFA have already shown how big money in football can lead to corruption. Further allegations are apparently to be set out by the Daily Telegraph over the coming days. We would expect the FA – and any clubs implicated – to launch an immediate and independent investigation in response to any substantiated allegations to help keep the game clean in this country. During such investigations, organisations typically suspend employees against whom there is credible evidence, and cooperate fully with the authorities if there has been wrongdoing. | These are extremely serious allegations. The scandals at FIFA have already shown how big money in football can lead to corruption. Further allegations are apparently to be set out by the Daily Telegraph over the coming days. We would expect the FA – and any clubs implicated – to launch an immediate and independent investigation in response to any substantiated allegations to help keep the game clean in this country. During such investigations, organisations typically suspend employees against whom there is credible evidence, and cooperate fully with the authorities if there has been wrongdoing. |
| If there has been a breach of the Bribery Act, an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office should follow, and in such an investigation affected entities would come under scrutiny to demonstrate that they had in place adequate procedures to prevent bribery. The broadcasters and sponsors who pour money into the game should also be making sure that their sponsorship is not fuelling corruption.” | If there has been a breach of the Bribery Act, an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office should follow, and in such an investigation affected entities would come under scrutiny to demonstrate that they had in place adequate procedures to prevent bribery. The broadcasters and sponsors who pour money into the game should also be making sure that their sponsorship is not fuelling corruption.” |
| If no laws have been broken, then it is possible that the FA’s own code of conduct or code of ethics has been breached, and this in itself should be taken extremely seriously. Football fans expect that games will be played according to the rules, and that those who run the game should themselves be free of corruption. There should be no impunity for corruption, and those who love football will want the FA and any clubs involved to get to the bottom of these allegations and take appropriate action.” | If no laws have been broken, then it is possible that the FA’s own code of conduct or code of ethics has been breached, and this in itself should be taken extremely seriously. Football fans expect that games will be played according to the rules, and that those who run the game should themselves be free of corruption. There should be no impunity for corruption, and those who love football will want the FA and any clubs involved to get to the bottom of these allegations and take appropriate action.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.58am BST | at 10.58am BST |
| 10.42am BST | 10.42am BST |
| 10:42 | 10:42 |
| Sam Allardyce could end his England career with a 100% record. If he has to make an exit who can we expect to be in the running for the job, which, if you need reminding, is the best-paid managerial post in world football. The odds with all the bookmakers are supplied here by Oddschecker and these are the leading candidates according to the people at Paddy Power. | Sam Allardyce could end his England career with a 100% record. If he has to make an exit who can we expect to be in the running for the job, which, if you need reminding, is the best-paid managerial post in world football. The odds with all the bookmakers are supplied here by Oddschecker and these are the leading candidates according to the people at Paddy Power. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 11.26am BST | at 11.26am BST |
| 10.23am BST | 10.23am BST |
| 10:23 | 10:23 |
| One question our useful feature doesn’t answer is what exactly is the England boss drinking in the picture on the front page of the Telegraph. The beverage is in a pint glass but it’s definitely not beer and doesn’t look like lager. Football365 are suggesting it’s wine and have a terrace chant already prepared. | One question our useful feature doesn’t answer is what exactly is the England boss drinking in the picture on the front page of the Telegraph. The beverage is in a pint glass but it’s definitely not beer and doesn’t look like lager. Football365 are suggesting it’s wine and have a terrace chant already prepared. |
| Allardyce met possible business partners; he drank a pint of wine. Allardyce met possible business partners; he drank a pint of wine. Allard | Allardyce met possible business partners; he drank a pint of wine. Allardyce met possible business partners; he drank a pint of wine. Allard |
| 10.17am BST | 10.17am BST |
| 10:17 | 10:17 |
| What is Allardyce accused of? | What is Allardyce accused of? |
| Colleague Matthew Weaver has put together one of those very useful Q&As summarising the key issues arising from the Telegraph story. You can find out what Sam Allardyce is accused of here and what the implications are. | Colleague Matthew Weaver has put together one of those very useful Q&As summarising the key issues arising from the Telegraph story. You can find out what Sam Allardyce is accused of here and what the implications are. |
| 10.07am BST | 10.07am BST |
| 10:07 | 10:07 |
| The experts have spoken ... and this one’s too close to call. The big guns from the sports desks in Fleet Street (some shorthand terms will never die) have had their say and the consensus appears to be that it’s “50-50” whether Big Sam stays or he has to go. | The experts have spoken ... and this one’s too close to call. The big guns from the sports desks in Fleet Street (some shorthand terms will never die) have had their say and the consensus appears to be that it’s “50-50” whether Big Sam stays or he has to go. |
| 8.56am BST | 8.56am BST |
| 08:56 | 08:56 |
| Preamble | Preamble |
| England football manager Sam Allardyce is facing an investigation by the Football Association, only two months after starting what he described as his dream job, following a newspaper sting in which he was secretly taped negotiating a £400,000 deal with reporters posing as Far East businessmen. | England football manager Sam Allardyce is facing an investigation by the Football Association, only two months after starting what he described as his dream job, following a newspaper sting in which he was secretly taped negotiating a £400,000 deal with reporters posing as Far East businessmen. |
| Crucially, Allardyce was caught on camera giving advice on how to “get round rules” about third-party ownership of players. In footage, filmed by an undercover Daily Telegraph investigations team, Allardyce says it is “not a problem” to bypass the rules introduced by the FA in 2008. | Crucially, Allardyce was caught on camera giving advice on how to “get round rules” about third-party ownership of players. In footage, filmed by an undercover Daily Telegraph investigations team, Allardyce says it is “not a problem” to bypass the rules introduced by the FA in 2008. |
| The FA has made no comment so far but has asked the newspaper for the full transcripts of the secretly taped recordings and is awaiting a response. FA officials are reportedly due to assess the allegations at a meeting at Wembley later today. | The FA has made no comment so far but has asked the newspaper for the full transcripts of the secretly taped recordings and is awaiting a response. FA officials are reportedly due to assess the allegations at a meeting at Wembley later today. |
| Allardyce was also caught on tape making several remarks that will go down badly with his employers, mocking his predecessor Roy Hodgson by referring to him as “Woy”, labelling the FA’s rebuilding of Wembley as “stupid” and describing Gary Neville, Hodgson’s assistant, as “the wrong influence”. | Allardyce was also caught on tape making several remarks that will go down badly with his employers, mocking his predecessor Roy Hodgson by referring to him as “Woy”, labelling the FA’s rebuilding of Wembley as “stupid” and describing Gary Neville, Hodgson’s assistant, as “the wrong influence”. |
| Some commentators are already saying it it difficult to see Allardyce surviving in his new post. Certainly, many will question the wisdom of the FA in appointing someone who was previously accused of accepting bungs in secret filming conducted by investigators from the BBC’s Panorama programme and who already appears to be wanting to cash in on his extremely well-paid £3m per annum position. | Some commentators are already saying it it difficult to see Allardyce surviving in his new post. Certainly, many will question the wisdom of the FA in appointing someone who was previously accused of accepting bungs in secret filming conducted by investigators from the BBC’s Panorama programme and who already appears to be wanting to cash in on his extremely well-paid £3m per annum position. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.48am BST | at 9.48am BST |