Post by Taxigirl on Aug 6, 2004 9:44:54 GMT
www.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,7-1146600,00.html
The Football Association have ended speculation about Sven Goran Eriksson's future as England coach, by confirming he will remain in his job.
No action will be taken against Eriksson after the FA's 12 board members met in a top London hotel to discuss whether Eriksson had deceived the association over his relationship with secretary Faria Alam.
Alam, as expected has quit her post within The FA following the investigation into her affair with Eriksson and former chief executive Mark Palios, who resigned on Sunday in the wake of newspaper revelations about the scandal.
Both executive director David Davies and chairman Geoff Thompson - whose positions were thought to be in doubt following the saga, remain - but FA director of communications Colin Gibson has resigned from his post following the scandal.
Gibson offered to step down on Sunday after Mark Palios resigned as chief executive on Sunday when it was revealed that he tried to make a deal with the News of the World newspaper to try and keep the former chief executive out of the story.
Both Eriksson and Alam had explained their version of events to specialist legal advisor Peter Norbury.
Norbury's views were explained to the FA board members and after six hours of deliberation, ruled that Eriksson had "no case to answer" and will continue as England coach for the World Cup qualifiers which begin in September.
The FA's revealed that they would carry out a full review of the whole episode.
An FA statement read: "The FA board today met to consider the report of the inquiry into why on Monday, July 19, the FA allowed solicitor's letters to be issued and made statements based on misleading information.
"At the meeting the board spent many hours considering a report prepared by Eversheds LLP, The FA's specialist legal advisors.
"The board took further legal advice from external law firm Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP and an employment law specialist John Bowers QC.
"Throughout the inquiry process the board have been determined to address the facts.
"At all times the board have been mindful of the need to follow standard procedures and employment law.
"Our decisions today reflect a process that is fair to all involved.The board reached the following unanimous decisions:
"In the case of Sven-Goran Eriksson, the board decided on the basis of the report and on legal advice that there is no case for him to answer.
"In the case of Faria Alam, an employee without executive status within the FA, the board have decided it is not appropriate to make any public statement with regard to her role in this inquiry.
"The FA announce they have accepted Colin Gibson's resignation. The FA wish to thank him for his services during his time as director of communications.
"This entire episode has been regrettable for the reputation of football in this country but the board remain determined to restore the highest standards.
"Deficiencies surrounding management procedures have been exposed and the board are collectively resolved to see these corrected.
"An immediate review will be instituted with appropriate consultation.
"In the short term, to support the many talented individuals at Soho Square, the board have decided to appoint the chairmen of their two main boards - representing the professional game, Dave Richards and the national game, Roger Burden, to support the FA chairman, Geoff Thompson in his role of leading the organisation during this period."
The Football Association have ended speculation about Sven Goran Eriksson's future as England coach, by confirming he will remain in his job.
No action will be taken against Eriksson after the FA's 12 board members met in a top London hotel to discuss whether Eriksson had deceived the association over his relationship with secretary Faria Alam.
Alam, as expected has quit her post within The FA following the investigation into her affair with Eriksson and former chief executive Mark Palios, who resigned on Sunday in the wake of newspaper revelations about the scandal.
Both executive director David Davies and chairman Geoff Thompson - whose positions were thought to be in doubt following the saga, remain - but FA director of communications Colin Gibson has resigned from his post following the scandal.
Gibson offered to step down on Sunday after Mark Palios resigned as chief executive on Sunday when it was revealed that he tried to make a deal with the News of the World newspaper to try and keep the former chief executive out of the story.
Both Eriksson and Alam had explained their version of events to specialist legal advisor Peter Norbury.
Norbury's views were explained to the FA board members and after six hours of deliberation, ruled that Eriksson had "no case to answer" and will continue as England coach for the World Cup qualifiers which begin in September.
The FA's revealed that they would carry out a full review of the whole episode.
An FA statement read: "The FA board today met to consider the report of the inquiry into why on Monday, July 19, the FA allowed solicitor's letters to be issued and made statements based on misleading information.
"At the meeting the board spent many hours considering a report prepared by Eversheds LLP, The FA's specialist legal advisors.
"The board took further legal advice from external law firm Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP and an employment law specialist John Bowers QC.
"Throughout the inquiry process the board have been determined to address the facts.
"At all times the board have been mindful of the need to follow standard procedures and employment law.
"Our decisions today reflect a process that is fair to all involved.The board reached the following unanimous decisions:
"In the case of Sven-Goran Eriksson, the board decided on the basis of the report and on legal advice that there is no case for him to answer.
"In the case of Faria Alam, an employee without executive status within the FA, the board have decided it is not appropriate to make any public statement with regard to her role in this inquiry.
"The FA announce they have accepted Colin Gibson's resignation. The FA wish to thank him for his services during his time as director of communications.
"This entire episode has been regrettable for the reputation of football in this country but the board remain determined to restore the highest standards.
"Deficiencies surrounding management procedures have been exposed and the board are collectively resolved to see these corrected.
"An immediate review will be instituted with appropriate consultation.
"In the short term, to support the many talented individuals at Soho Square, the board have decided to appoint the chairmen of their two main boards - representing the professional game, Dave Richards and the national game, Roger Burden, to support the FA chairman, Geoff Thompson in his role of leading the organisation during this period."