Sky Sport News announce the sacking of England Women’s head coach Mark Sampson after information came to light about his conduct during his time at Bristol Academy. According to a statement released by the Football Association, Sampson’s contract has been terminated after a full report into the 34-year-old’s spell as Bristol Academy manager was brought to their attention last week.
It will be recalled that Sampson has been at the center of discrimination allegations made by Chelsea Ladies and England striker Eniola Aluko. He however denied the claims, and was cleared by an internal FA review and an independent investigation led by barrister Katharine Newton QC. Then, the FA said Aluko’s allegations are unrelated to his dismissal.
The FA statement, terminating his position read in parts as follows: “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, Mark was manager of Bristol Academy. In 2014, safeguarding allegations were made against him about his time with Bristol. 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 behavior by a coach. It is on this basis that we have acted quickly to agree a termination of Mark’s contract.
“In respect of investigations into specific allegations made by the Eniola Aluko in 2016, the FA stands by the findings of the independent barrister Katharine Newton’s investigation. Mark 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 and new findings and recommendations”
The sack has been a rude shock as Sampson, on record, led the Lionesses to third place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, making them the most successful senior England side ever to have played in a major tournament overseas.
Correspondent: Ridwan A Olayiwola
