England Women’s manager Mark Sampson sacked by Football Association

Updated 20/09/2017 at 17:30 GMT

England Women’s manager Mark Sampson has been sacked by the Football Association due to his "unacceptable" behaviour while coach at Bristol Academy.

Mark Sampson

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The FA revealed that there was "clear evidence of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour" while Sampson was at Bristol, though it was deemed that he "did not pose a risk" following a safeguarding assessment back in 2014.

It was also confirmed that the sacking was not in relation to the allegations of racism and bullying made by Eni Aluko, with the FA standing by the investigation made into that matter.

Sampson was cleared twice over Aluko's allegations - by an internal Football Association review and then a subsequently criticised independent investigation - and firmly denies all wrongdoing.

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Mark Sampson

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The full statement on thefa.com read:

"The Football Association can confirm that Mark Sampson’s contract as England Women’s head coach has been terminated with immediate effect.

"Prior to taking charge of the national team in December 2013, Sampson was manager of Bristol Academy.

"In 2014, safeguarding allegations were made against him about his time with Bristol Academy. The safeguarding assessment was that he did not pose a risk working in the game.

However, the full report of that investigation was only brought to the attention of the current FA leadership last week and it is our judgement that it revealed clear evidence of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour by a coach.

"It is on this basis that we have acted quickly to agree a termination of Sampson’s contract.

"In respect of investigations into specific allegations made by Eniola Aluko in 2016, The FA stands by the findings of the independent barrister Katharine Newton’s investigation.

"Sampson has denied all of the accusations put to him and no evidence of wrong-doing was found. We will continue to support the independent investigation as it reviews the recent evidence presented to it and publish any new findings and recommendations."

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England stormed to a 6-0 win over Russia in their World Cup qualifying opener on Tuesday night with Sampson in charge, and the Lionesses showed their support for the now-former manager when celebrating their opening goal.