England

FA chairman Greg Clarke wants "all the facts" on Sam Allardyce media sting

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 27 September 2016

FA chairman Greg Clarke says that he wants "all the facts" after England manager Sam Allardyce was secretly filmed by The Telegraph.

Football Association chairman Greg Clarke has claimed that he wants "all the facts" after undercover reporters filmed England manager Sam Allardyce appearing to discuss how to "get around" transfer rules on third-party ownership.

Journalists from The Telegraph posed as businessmen working for a Far East investment firm when they approached Allardyce, who was appointed England manager in July.

As well as speaking about third-party ownership, Allardyce was filmed mocking his predecessor Roy Hodgson by calling him "Woy", and he criticised Gary Neville's "wrong influence" during Euro 2016.

In response to the media sting, Clarke told The Times: "I got a call related to the issue and I want the facts in the morning and I will look into it - it is not appropriate to pre-judge the issue.

"With things like this you have to take a deep breath and have all the facts and hear everything from everyone. Then you can make a judgement about what to do and that's what we will do. Natural justice requires us to get to the bottom of these issues before we make any decision."

England are due to be in action in a couple of weeks' time as they take on Malta and Slovenia in World Cup qualifiers.