SAMPSON IN DOCK

FA to reopen England boss racism inquiry

THE FA are set to reopen the investigation into allegations of racism against England women’s manager Mark Sampson.

Key witness drew Spence has submitted a written statement to the governing body and has met FA officials. If the Chelsea midfielder is willing to be interviewed, the case will be reopened.

The FA were first made aware of the allegation that Sampson had made a racist comment to Spence at the 2015 China Cup by her Chelsea team-mate Eni Aluko last year. Sportsmail revealed last month that the FA paid Aluko £80,000, which some have seen as hush money to keep quiet about her complaint of bullying and harassment by Sampson, including the incident involving Spence, despite two investigations clearing Sampson of wrong-doing.

However, Spence was not interviewed for the FA’s internal inquiry or the independent review by barrister Katharine newton.

Spence was not named by Aluko in her emailed complaint, sent in May 2016, but Sportsmail revealed her involvement.

Sampson is alleged to have asked mixed-race Spence how many times she had been arrested by police. Spence, who has never been arrested, has now provided a written statement to the FA corroborating Aluko’s story.

An FA spokesman said: ‘We have always said if any new information came to light we will look into it appropriately.’

The investigation could also take into account Aluko’s claim that Sampson told her to make sure her nigerian relatives did not bring ebola to a match. England manager Sampson, 34, has repeatedly denied all the allegations against him.