FA bosses to be grilled by MPs over Sampson

THE FA’s top executives will face questions at next month’s parliamentary inquiry into their handling of allegations against fired England women’s manager Mark Sampson. Sportsmail revealed that Chelsea striker Eni Aluko had emailed a complaint to the FA — including claims of bullying, harassment and racism — against Sampson. It later emerged that a safeguarding report on Sampson had been compiled, detailing allegations made in 2014 of inappropriate relationships with female players while he was a coach at Bristol Academy. That document was handed to Martin Glenn after his appointment as FA chief executive in 2015. The report finally prompted the FA board to sack Sampson last week. Glenn and FA chairman Greg Clarke have admitted they were made aware two years ago that Sampson was investigated over safeguarding concerns and sent on an educational course, but they did not look into it further. They will be joined by technical director Dan Ashworth and HR director Rachel Brace at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee on October 18, when they will face committee chairman Damian Collins and other MPs. Ashworth and Brace have been accused by the Professional Footballers’ Association of conducting a ‘sham’ inquiry into Aluko’s initial complaint, which cleared Sampson. The quartet will also have to explain why Aluko was offered £80,000 to keep quiet about her case. Aluko has agreed to give evidence and former England forward Lianne Sanderson is also set to appear.