06/08/2004

Sven-Goran Eriksson has 'no case to answer'

Sven-Goran Eriksson's job is safe and he has no case to answer over the controversy which has engulfed the sport's governing body in recent weeks, the FA Board has unanimously decided.

After last night's meeting, The FA said the affair had exposed "deficiencies surrounding management procedures", and the board instituted a review of the whole episode.

In a statement, the FA said: "This entire episode has been regrettable for the reputation of football in this country but The Board remain determined to restore the highest standards.

It added: "An immediate review will be instituted with appropriate consultation."

The FA will hope that yesterday's meeting will put an end to days of damaging headlines for English football's governing body. A vain hope it may prove, as the woman at the centre of the storm, FA secretary Faria Alam, has engaged publicist Max Clifford who is reported to be negotiating the sale of her story to newspapers for a six-figure sum.

Problems began for FA when it emerged that both FA chief executive Mark Palios and England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson had had affairs with Ms Alam. The FA's subsequent handling of the issue drew a torrent of media criticism – the result of which ultimately led to the end of Mr Palios' 13-month reign as FA chief on Sunday.

A key moment in the controversy came when The News Of The World published the transcript of a taped conversation between the newspaper and the FA's communications director, Colin Gibson.

During that conversation Mr Gibson offered to release details surrounding Eriksson's relationship with Ms Alam if the paper agreed to hush up Palios' role. The FA has accepted Mr Gibson's offer of resignation.

The board said that it was not appropriate to make any public statement with regard to Ms Alam.

Board members Dave Richards and Roger Burden have been appointed to support The FA Chairman, Geoff Thompson, in his role of leading the organisation during this period.

The Board said that it would now commence the search for a new Chief Executive Officer.

(gmcg)

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