FA chief Greg Clarke accused of showing 'disregard' ahead of hearing with MPs

Greg Clarke has been accused of showing “disregard” for the investigation into alleged racism and cover-up at the FA.

It was revealed yesterday that FA chairman Clarke had sent a curt response to a six-page document from the Professional Footballers’ Association with regards to a complaint concerning Eni Aluko’s international career and protecting then England women’s team manager Mark Sampson after allegations of racism were made against him.

Clarke wrote: “I’ve no idea why you are sending me this. Perhaps you could enlighten me?”

Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn are among top FA officials set for a grilling by MPs tomorrow as part of a Department of Culture, Media and Sport committee hearing. Committee chairman Damian Collins told Standard Sport: “I think it’s a very surprising response, given the serious issues at stake, and could easily have been interpreted as being disinterested in the investigation. It’s something that we’ll ask about.

“He should have responded by saying ‘thank you for raising these issues’, which are very serious. It’s amazing to reply in that way. It shows a level of disregard.”

Collins also plans to question whether Clarke and Glenn are the right men to lead the FA.

Aluko will appear at the hearing but Collins said Sampson, who was fired as manager last month, had not currently been called to give evidence, although he insisted the committee would give him the right of reply should he wish to appear before MPs in due course.