Gareth Southgate to lead England against Malta as FA, Allardyce agree to terminate contract

wembleyThe FA announced that Sam Allardyce has left his position as England manager and that Gareth Southgate will take charge of the men’s senior team for the next four matches including the European Qualifier against Malta at Wembley Stadium on October 8..

In a statement, The FA said that “Allardyce’s conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgement 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.”

“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. 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.”

The Telegraph reported on Tuesday morning that Sam Allardyce used his position as England manager to negotiate a £400,000 deal and offered advice to businessmen on how to “get around” FA rules on player transfers. He negotiated a deal with men purporting to represent a Far East firm and agreed to travel to Singapore and Hong Kong as an ambassador and explained to the “businessmen” how they could circumvent Football Association rules which prohibit third parties “owning” players.

Unbeknown to Allardyce, the businessmen were undercover reporters and he was being filmed as part of a 10-month Telegraph investigation that separately unearthed widespread evidence of bribery and corruption in British football.