Sam Allardyce filmed using England manager’s job in bid to land ‘£400,000 deal’ and calling Hodgson ‘Woy’
Big Sam, who replaced Roy Hodgson as Three Lions manager in July, was quizzed by FA chiefs on Monday
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SAM ALLARDYCE faces the sack over claims he used his job as England manager to land a £400,000 deal.
England’s new boss is accused of abusing his position to help businessmen "get around" FA transfer rules.
Allardyce, who has only been in charge for one game after replacing Roy Hodgson as manager in July, was quizzed by FA chiefs on Monday.
He is accused to meeting up with a bogus consortium, who were in fact undercover reporters posing as Far East businessmen who claimed they were interested in bringing overseas players to England.
Allardyce, 61 - who is paid £3million a year plus bonuses as England manager - agreed to travel to Singapore and Hong Kong as an ambassador and explained to the “businessmen” how they could circumvent FA rules which prohibit third parties “owning” players.
The businessmen laid on a series of lavish dinners and hotel receptions for high-profile football people, including Allardyce.
Over the course of two meetings Allardyce told the fictitious businessmen that it was “not a problem” to bypass the rules introduced by his employers in 2008.
He said he knew of certain agents who were “doing it all the time” and added: “You can still get around it. I mean obviously the big money’s here.”
And during Allardyce’s meetings he also mocked predecessor Roy Hodgson, calling him “Woy” and saying that he “hasn’t got the personality” for public speaking.
He also criticised Princes William and Harry as well as former Three Lions assistant manager Gary Neville.
England’s players were also said to have a “psychological barrier” and were accused of being unable to “cope” by the Three Lions boss.
What Big Sam said to hidden camera
On Roy Hodgson: “He’d send them all to sleep, Roy. Woy. He hasn’t got the personality for it.”
On selecting his England squad: "Jack Wilshere, on the bench for Arsenal. Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench... When they’re not playing for the club, they’re just short of match practice.”
On Wembley Stadium: "They completely floored it and then rebuilt the new stadium which is fabulous, but that sort of debt is not really what you want. "
On the FA: "They’re all about making money aren’t they?"
On Prince William: “The only one that never turned up was Prince William. He’s our ambassador for the Football Association, so it would have been nice if he’d have turned up but he obviously had more, much busier things on.”
On Prince Harry: “Harry’s a naughty boy. He’s a very naughty boy, very naughty. He shows his bottom and all sorts.”
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New FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn were in talks last night to discuss the allegations against Big Sam as the extent of the video became clear.
Allardyce must get FA permission to lend his name or to be involved or associated with any business practices as part of his England contract.
He was playing in the Football Writers’ golf day at Stoke Park on Monday when he was made aware of the allegations.
Allardyce, his agent and the FA’s legal team, were then involved in talks to discuss the sting.
The FA confirmed they were aware of the allegations and are waiting for a full transcript before responding .
A spokesman said: “We have asked the to provide us with the full facts in relation to this matter and are awaiting their response.”
The Telegraph claim Allardyce used his position as England manager to negotiate a £400,000 deal and offered advice to businessmen on how to “get around” FA rules on player transfers.
Update: Sam Allardyce has asked us to make clear that he disputes the allegations.
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