COLEMAN: BAN BUNG-TAKERS FOR LIFE
CHRIS COLEMAN is demanding life bans for anybody in football found guilty of accepting bungs. Equating the practice to stealing, the Wales manager is urging action to protect the game’s integrity in the wake of allegations that Premier League bosses could be corrupted by agents. Coleman said such wrongdoing ‘tarnishes all with the same brush’ and, if proved, stern punishment must be imposed. ‘I have zero respect for anyone caught because it is stealing,’ Coleman said. ‘They should be removed from the game permanently. Good night. If you’re earning £50,000 a week then why are you after more? It’s just greed and dishonesty. ‘Unfortunately, we’re all tarnished with the same brush. We are involved in an industry where there is corruption from the very top. If they are guilty, get rid of them — they should never be allowed back.’ Coleman did have sympathy for Sam Allardyce, forced to leave the England job after being filmed agreeing a £400,000 fee for keynote speaking sessions in Asia. He was also seen poking fun at predecessor Roy Hodgson and explaining how to get round FA rules on third-party ownership. ‘He’ll be devastated,’ said Coleman. ‘I know how much he wanted the job. I’m gutted that he lost it through events off the pitch. He has made a mistake and admitted that.’ Coleman was speaking after Barnsley sacked assistant manager Tommy Wright, 50, following Daily Telegraph reports that he had accepted £5,000 from undercover reporters posing as agents of Far East investors. The Scot says he is innocent but was filmed apparently saying he could place players at the club in return for illicit payments. Queens Park Rangers are also talking to manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink after he was videoed by the newspaper negotiating a £55,000 fee for acting on behalf of a Far East firm. Hasselbaink denies any wrongdoing. The FA released a statement regarding the allegations last night, saying: ‘The FA has been liaising with the Daily
Telegraph and subsequently the City of London Police. ‘We have requested full and unfettered disclosure of all available material from the newspaper. This is yet to be provided. The FA wants to be in a position to investigate these matters fully at the earliest opportunity and to this end the FA will also be meeting with the City of London Police next week.’ The League Managers Association also expressed frustration. The LMA said: ‘We want to fully investigate any and all allegations... this process is being delayed as the Telegraph is yet to provide to the FA full and complete unconditional disclosure of all the information it has.’