Mark Sampson says his ‘conscience is clear’ over Eni Aluko allegations

England Women manager Mark Sampson says his “conscience is clear” following the allegations of bullying, discrimination and racism made by striker Eni Aluko.
Sampson was cleared by an internal Football Association inquiry into Aluko’s claims, and by an independent investigation.
He told Press Association Sport on Tuesday that he intends to carry on in charge of the team that lost to Holland in the Euro 2017 semi-finals.
Sampson also said he would be willing to meet with Aluko to discuss the complaints raised by the 102-cap striker, who has been absent from the England squad since submitting her complaint to the FA in May 2016.
Speaking at Wembley Stadium, Sampson said: “Since the allegations have come to public knowledge I’ve had universal support from the players and the staff, who have confirmed they are behind me and want to continue working in the way we have been working, to do our best to achieve more success.”
Sampson was speaking in public for the first time since it emerged last month that he had been under investigation.
Since then, shadow sports minister Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, along with anti-racism group Kick It Out and the Professional Footballers’ Association, have called for a new investigation, insisting it should be open and transparent.
England’s manager, appointed in late 2013, was cleared by the independent investigation led by barrister Katharine Newton, but there have been questions raised about whether the case has been fully and adequately examined.
Sampson has denied wrongdoing from day one, and said: “As far as I’m concerned, over the course of the last six months I’ve answered all the questions that have been asked of me, and done everything I can to make sure I’ve told the truth.
“These allegations were investigated thoroughly and now we’re in a position where I feel strongly that we need to move on and continue to work hard to bring more success to this team.”
Asked if he would be prepared to meet Aluko, Sampson said: “I’ve made it very clear, from the moment I spoke with Eni face to face (to say) that she would be left out of the squad, that at any point I’d be available to meet again.
“And I have (been available) over the course of the allegations being brought as best as I possibly could within the guidelines of what I was allowed, and that still remains the case.
“As with any England player, I’m open to a phone call or a sit-down conversation to discuss whatever they feel they need to discuss to help us move forward as a team.”
The 34-year-old added: “From my position I’ve done nothing wrong. I’m sat here again denying the accusations and my conscience is clear.
“It’s a very difficult position and situation to have been through both professionally and emotionally but I’ve stayed professional and got on with my job.
“Over the course of these investigations I’ve prepared a team and coached a team at a major championship and I’ve been cleared of any wrongdoing. There has been no wrongdoing on my part.”

SOURCE : GUARDIAN SPORTS
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