Allardyce’s England reign ends
Sam Allardyce’s England reign has come to an end after just 67 days.
Allardyce, who has led the national side for just one match, was filmed as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in football. He has left his post “by mutual consent”, the FA said in a statement.
Gareth Southgate takes over as caretaker manager and will be in charge for the next four matches.
Sam Allardyce’s time as England manager is over after one match after his contract was terminated by mutual consent with the Football Association.
Allardyce was targeted in a Daily Telegraph investigation into alleged corruption in English football, and the departure of the 61-year-old after just 67 days at the helm was announced following crisis talks involving FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn.
“Allardyce’s conduct, as reported yesterday, was inappropriate of the England manager,” read an FA statement.
“He accepts he made a significant error of judgment 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.
“England under-21 boss Gareth Southgate will take charge of the senior side for the next four games in an interim capacity.”
Allardyce described the post as the culmination of his career in football and his dream job, but it has ended in embarrassment.
When taking the reins from Roy Hodgson in July, following an abject Euro 2016 performance, he had denied the England national side was at rock bottom. It seems impossible to reject the same contention now, as evidenced by the grave language used by the FA.
“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,” continued the statement.
“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.
“Gareth Southgate will take charge of the men’s senior team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain whilst the FA begins its search for the new England manager.
“The FA wishes Sam well in the future.”
The videos show 61-yearold Allardyce appearing to make indiscreet and controversial comments to undercover reporters posing as businessmen.
The most serious issues appeared to be his apparent willingness to pursue a £400,000 deal to address investors in the Far East and his views on the outlawed practice of third-party ownership.