English FA apologises to Eniola Aluko over racist remarks by ex-coach

England FA chief executive Martin Glenn has apologised to Eniola Aluko and Drew Spence after admitting that they were subjected to discriminatory remarks by Mark Sampson.

The FA had previously cleared Sampson in two separate investigations before eventually sacking him after it was claimed he had “inappropriate” relationship with a player while in a previous job at Bristol Academy.

Glenn said: “On behalf of The Football Association I would like to sincerely apologise to Eniola Aluko and Drew Spence.

“Based on new evidence submitted to independent barrister Katharine Newton, she has now found that they were both subject to discriminatory remarks made by an FA employee. This is not acceptable.

“In her final report Katharine Newton concluded that on two separate occasions Mark Sampson made ill-judged attempts at humour, which as a matter of law were discriminatory on grounds of race within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010.

“Katharine Newton did however conclude that Mark Sampson was not racist.

“She also concluded that there was no evidence to support the allegations that Eniola Aluko was subjected to ‘a course of bullying and discriminatory conduct’ by Mark Sampson.

“Our ambition has always been to find the truth and take swift and appropriate action if needed. It was our decision to have the original, second and final investigation to ensure that due diligence was taken. It is regrettable that Eniola did not participate in the first external investigation as this would have enabled Katharine Newton to conduct and complete her investigation sooner.”

Aluko, speaking on the issue, said: “I feel vindicated. I feel relieved. It suggests it was all kind of worth it.

“I’ve felt isolated in terms of the process, I didn’t want it to become as adversarial as it has become – the Football Association vs Eni Aluko. That disappoints me, what it has become.”