Irwin Mitchell Employment Lawyer Examines Departure

A leading employment lawyer says the FA may have had grounds to sack Sam Allardyce for gross misconduct, but believes a settlement deal involving some form of financial payoff with the former England Manager is likely to have been agreed to avoid a lengthy dispute.

Sam Allardyce has left his post as England manager by mutual agreement last night after one match and less than 10 weeks in charge.

The departure follows an investigation by the Telegraph which claimed he offered advice on how to circumvent rules on player transfers. He is also alleged to have used his role to negotiate a deal worth £400,000 to represent a Far East firm.

Expert Opinion

"The FA’s announcement that Sam Allardyce has left his job as England coach by mutual consent suggests that a settlement deal has been reached with Allardyce leaving in return for a payment.

“After the revelations published yesterday, most people probably thought that the FA had good grounds to instantly dismiss Big Sam without liability, however the FA would have been keen to have avoided a dispute and the bad publicity and costs that would surround it.

“The parties will in all likelihood have entered into confidential settlement arrangements with a view to putting this sorry saga to bed quickly and allowing the focus to be on the national team.”
Alan Lewis - Partner

In a statement, the FA said that “[Allardyce] accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised. This is not a decision that was taken lightly but the FA's priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football.

"The manager of the England men's senior team is a position which must demonstrate strong leadership and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times."