Sam Allardyce sacked as England manager following newspaper sting

Sam Allardyce has left his position as England manager after the FA confirmed they had had mutually agreed a termination of the 61-year-old’s contract.

The FA made the decision after the 61-year-old was filmed by undercover reporters discussing a £400,000 business deal and offering advice on getting around transfer rules.

He also made disparaging remarks about Roy Hodgson, Gary Neville and the FA’s decision making during the meetings, which were held before he’d even taken charge of a single Three Lions match.

The FA announced Allardyce’s departure in a brief statement and confirmed that Gareth Southgate will take charge of the Three Lions for their next four matches.

The England FA's statement

The FA can confirm that Sam Allardyce has left his position as England manager.

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.

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.

Allardyce departs having taken charge of just one England game, a last-gasp 1-0 win over Slovenia in a World Cup qualification game. At least he leaves with a 100 per cent record, but that will be little consolation.

England must now find a new manager with Alan Pardew, Eddie Howe and Steve Bruce among the leading contenders.