Sam Allardyce 'deeply disappointed' as FA terminates England manager's contract following newspaper sting

JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images
Standard Sport27 September 2016

Sam Allardyce has apologised for causing 'embarrassment' and announced his 'deep disappointment' after the FA terminated his England contract.

The FA confirmed on Tuesday evening that Allardyce's contract has been terminated by mutual consent following an investigation into a newspaper sting, which appeared to show the Three Lions boss advising reporters posing as businessmen how to sidestep transfer laws.

The 61-year-old was secretly filmed by the Daily Telegraph's investigations team in August and appeared to tell the group claiming to represent a Far East business that there are ways around rules prohibiting third-party ownership of players.

In the footage, Allardyce also criticises former England coach Gary Neville, while mockingly referring to his predecessor Roy Hodgson, who suffers from rhotacism, as "Woy".

It is also alleged he used his position as England manager to verbally agree a £400,000 business deal to fly out to Singapore and Hong Kong to be a keynote speaker.

Allardyce repeatedly told the undercover reporters that he would need to get clearance from his bosses at the FA before any deal could be finalised.

Following the FA's decision, the 61-year-old released a statement which read: "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."

The FA has confirmed that Gareth Southgate will take charge of the men's senior team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain while the search begins for a new Three Lions manager.

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