The English Football Association has dismissed a charge against Mark Sampson claiming he used racist language towards a Nigerian player during a club meeting at Stevenage.
The allegations of racially discriminatory remarks made by Sampson were found not proven by an independent disciplinary commission.
The former England women’s boss presently coaches English League Two side Stevenage FC, in the town of Stevenage, Hertfordshire, England.
Sampson was charged with misconduct in November over the incident, which was alleged to have occurred during a discussion over player recruitment.
It was alleged that while talking about signing a new player on September 2, 2019, Sampson said:
“…a black Nigerian centre back, you can’t rely on them.”
But a hearing held earlier this month found the charge not proved and dismissed it, the FA said in an announcement on its official website.
The findings of the hearing also found that Sampson was branded as a “snake and spineless c***” by former Stevenage boss Dino Maamria.
The 48-year-old was sacked on September 8 following a poor start to the season and Sampson, who was working as his assistant manager, was promoted to caretaker boss in his place.
Maamria admitted to being ‘annoyed and disappointed’ with Sampson as he expected all of his staff would leave the club with him.
After Sampson decided to stay on, he sent a WhatsApp message to him using the derogatory terms.
Maamria was in the meeting where Sampson was alleged to have used racially discriminatory language towards a Nigerian player.
He told the FA that he responded to the alleged comment by saying:
“No wonder Eni Aluko made a complaint, she must have been right about you.”
Ali Uzunhasanoglu, another member of Maamria’s staff, also gave evidence about the alleged comment made by Sampson.
Maamria was making reference to the former England women’s striker, who accused Sampson of making a racist remark about her Nigerian family not bringing Ebola to a game at Wembley.
