Greg Clarke's position as chair of the FA is "likely to come under severe scrutiny" after new revelations about his handling of the alleged racism scandal that led to his organization being summoned to a parliamentary inquiry to explain the Mark Sampson affair, according to Daniel Taylor of the London GUARDIAN. Two weeks after Clarke "publicly praised Eni Aluko" for reporting alleged racism within the England women's football setup, his 14-word reply to claims that the FA put together an internal inquiry that was "not a genuine search for the truth" and "designed to close down the complaint and absolve Mark Sampson" has been revealed. Clarke was one of four senior execs to receive a six-page document from the Professional Footballers' Association that accused the governing body of "deliberately sabotaging" Aluko's 11-year int'l career "to protect Sampson." Clarke's response came in the form of a "curt email that threatens to be hugely embarrassing" for his organization and "leaves questions about his ability to run a body" that purports to be a leader in the fight against racism. Clarke is "under intense pressure to explain why he responded within 30 minutes," sending the PFA an email saying, "I've no idea why you are sending me this. Perhaps you could enlighten me?" The one-line response "shocked a number of people who are working on the case and opened him to allegations that he completely misunderstood the seriousness of the matter" (GUARDIAN, 10/16).
RESULTS ARE IN: In London, Martyn Ziegler reported the results of an investigation into allegations by Aluko of "racism and bullying" will be released before a parliamentary hearing on Wednesday. Barrister Katharine Newton has spoken to Aluko and another witness, Drew Spence. Aluko had previously chosen not to speak to Newton, whose first investigation cleared Sampson of wrongdoing. The outcome of the new inquiry, including a decision on whether Sampson was guilty of discrimination, will be disclosed to MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Select Committee, who will take evidence from Aluko and senior FA figures as "part of their investigation into claims of bullying and harassment" (LONDON TIMES, 10/17).
