Sampson set to leave Lioness post

 

England women’s manager, Mark Sampson, is set to leave his position as the Lionesses’ head coach following recent racial allegations.

It comes in the aftermath of his sides emphatic 6-0 victory in their World Cup qualifier against Russia at Prenton Park last night.

The 34 year old, who took his position as Head Coach of the national side in 2013, led the Lionesses’ to back to back semi-final appearances at major tournaments.

But his decision to leaves comes after recent claims, made by Chelsea forward Eniola Aluko, regarding bullying and harassment against her from the head coach.

In December, Aluko, who is a qualified lawyer, claimed that during a meeting in 2015, Sampson made a “highly inappropriate remark” with “derogatory, racial and prejudicial connotations” to an unnamed player, asking how many times she had been arrested because she was of mixed race.

In March this year, Sampson was cleared of any wrongdoing, but the Chelsea striker was paid £80,000 in a confidentiality agreement, in which the FA stated was paid to avoid any disruption the Lionesses’ Euro 2017 campaign.

Throughout the year, further evidence has appeared backing Aluko’s claims, before the FA published a summery of the findings just last month. Just four days after the FA’s publication, Aluko publically spoke about the allegations for the first time.

Earlier this month, Sampson spoke out about the allegations for the first time, claiming his conscience is clear, but just one week later, the head coach contradicted evidence previously given.

The remaining members of the squad, particularly in last nights victory, have showed their support for Sampson, with striker Jodie Taylor claiming that the squad had become closer following the allegations.

It remains unclear as to why Sampson is set to leave, and a press conference will follow later tofay, but it certainly appears that the ongoing allegations and contradiction may have overwhelmed the Lionesses’ head coach.