Davies accuses Alam of ‘betrayal’

Football Association executive director David Davies has told an employment tribunal that he felt betrayed by a “trusted friend” over allegations that he sexually harassed former secretary Faria Alam.

Ms Alam is suing the FA, claiming constructive dismissal, breach of contract, sexual discrimination and unequal pay, for an amount believed to be around £30,000.

The 39-year-old former model resigned from her job last year, following revelations of her affairs with both England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and FA chief executive Mark Palios.

During the hearing, taking place at the Central London Employment Tribunal, Ms Alam made her accusations of sexual harassment against Mr Davies.

Today, Mr Davies denied the allegation, describing them as “deeply hurtful and upsetting” and “a mixture of half-truths and fantasy”. He told the tribunal: “I have reacted to them with sadness and incredulity. I trust she understands the impact of them on my life.”

Yesterday, two former colleagues of Ms Alam provided statements denying they ever told her that Mr Davies had ‘tried it on’ with them. Ms Alam alleged that the two women had warned her about Mr Davies when she started working at the FA, saying that he had “a bit of a reputation”.

Mr Davies also told the tribunal that both Mr Eriksson and Ms Alam had both denied having an affair when he asked them about the allegations and he also alleged that Ms Alam had later admitted to misleading FA officials.

Mr Palios lost his job following the sex scandal, as did communications director Colin Gibson, who was alleged to have offered the ‘News of the World’ the story of Ms Alam’s affair with Mr Eriksson if Mr Palios’ name was not mentioned.

However, Mr Eriksson kept his position as England manager, after an FA internal inquiry ruled that he had “no case to answer” over his conduct.

The hearing continues.

(KMcA)