The FA have announced the departure of Sam Allardyce as England manager just 67 days after the former Sunderland boss was appointed to the role, after being caught in a media sting which exposed him negotiating a £400k deal and giving advice on getting around transfer rules.
Allardyce departs the role after taking charge of just a single game with the national team - a 1-0 win over Slovakia at the start of the month, sealed by a 95th minute Adam Lallana winner. "?
Gareth Southgate will take over the team for the next four games while a long-term replacement is found.
The FA can confirm that Sam Allardyce has left his position as @England manager. Full statement: https://t.co/oFu7dMn8CH
An FA statement read: "Allardyce's conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised. However, due to the serious nature of his actions, The FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect.
"This is not a decision that was taken lightly but The FA's priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football. The manager of the England men's senior team is a position which must demonstrate strong leadership and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times."
In footage recorded by the Daily Telegraph as part of a large scale wider investigation into corruption in football, the 61-year-old was also caught heavily criticising the FA, poking fun at predecessor Roy Hodgson's speech impediment and suggesting that England players psychologically 'can't cope' on the international stage.
EXCLUSIVE INVESTIGATION: England manager Sam Allardyce for sale https://t.co/LkRBwuAern #football4sale pic.twitter.com/IivG9ghbLO
FA chairman Greg Clarke had urged caution before the swift decision to relieve Allardyce of his role, saying: "Natural justice requires us to get to the bottom of the issues before we make any decision. With things like this, you have to take a deep breath."?
The video, taken by the newspaper, shows the Three Lions boss telling a reporter - posing as a businessman - how to get around FA third-party ownership laws, which he called 'ridiculous'.
He also negotiated a £400k speaking engagement deal, although he did tell the undercover reporter that he would have to run the gig past the FA before accepting it.
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