The English FA has finally apologised to Nigerian-born female football star, Eniola Aluko, over discriminatory remarks from former national team coach, Mark Sampson.
Aluko, 30, sister of Nigerian international, Sone Aluko, has made over a century appearances for the Three Lions women’s national team, scoring 33 goals.
The highly successful forward’s claim that she suffered “bullying and harassment” from Sampson had persistently fallen on deaf ears.
However, the FA on Wednesday “sincerely apologised” to the Chelsea star after new evidence was found.
Independent barrister, Katharine Newton, concluded in her final report that Sampson “made ill-judged attempts at humour” on two separate occasions, that were – by matter of law – found to be discriminatory on grounds of race within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010.
In a statement released before a parliamentary hearing into the handling of Aluko’s allegations, FA chief executive, Martin Glenn, said the remarks made to Aluko and England team-mate Drew Spence were “not acceptable”.
Newton did, however, conclude that Sampson – who was sacked by the FA on September 20 – was not racist.
“Our ambition has always been to find the truth and take swift and appropriate action if needed,” Glenn said.
“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.”
