Now women’s boss accused of dropping star over divorce

CHELSEA midfielder Katie Chapman claims she was dropped by England manager Mark Sampson after telling him she was going through a divorce. The 35-year-old, who has won 94 England caps dating back to 2000, is the latest player to suggest she was ditched by Sampson after raising an off-field issue. Chapman, a mother of three boys, told Sampson about her divorce during a meeting in April last year. He was initially supportive, Chapman says, and she played in the next match against Belgium. But she has never been called up to the national team again, nor even been spoken to by the England manager about why she was dropped, despite approaching a century of appearances. She said: ‘I had the conversation with Mark regarding my divorce. He said, “Take a little time to manage that situation and get yourself sorted”, and I haven’t been selected since. I’ve gone through a divorce and I think that might’ve played a part, going through that, managing with the children and stuff. ‘You should be able to speak about your personal life and it be taken into consideration, whether you’re male or female. Off the back of that conversation I haven’t been picked.’ Chapman’s Chelsea team-mate Eni Aluko has not played for England since she complained of bullying, harassment and racism by Sampson in May 2016. The Welshman denies any wrongdoing.

Sportsmail revealed last month that the FA eventually paid Aluko £80,000 hush money, even though Sampson was cleared by two investigations. Former England striker Lianne Sanderson, 29, claims she was dropped by Sampson after she said she was disappointed her 50th cap was not marked in 2015. Ex-England defender Anita Asante said an ‘environment of silence’ existed behind the scenes where players are frightened of speaking out. Chapman (left) retains England ambitions and hopes her performances in the Women’s Super League, which begins this month, could see her win a place. But she has not been selected in the latest squad for the World Cup qualifier against Russia on September 19, despite winning the Spring Series with Chelsea. Chapman said: ‘Mark will make his decision and I’m not bitter about that in the slightest. ‘I can only manage what I can manage.’