Eni Aluko 'ashamed' to be part of women's game after England discrimination claims
Wednesday 30 August 2017 11:22, UK
England striker Eni Aluko says she feels "embarrassed and ashamed" to be part of the women's game in this country.
Further details of the bullying and discrimination claims made by Aluko against England boss Mark Sampson came to light last week, including a claim of racism which the FA and Sampson strongly deny.
Sampson was cleared by an internal Football Association review and a subsequent independent investigation chaired by Katharine Newton QC.
Chelsea Ladies striker Aluko was paid around £80,000 by the FA earlier this year, but the FA says the payment was made to "avoid disruption" before this summer's European Championship.
However, Aluko believes the process behind the investigation into her complaints was flawed.
Aluko has been publicly supported by England team-mates Lianne Sanderson and Anita Asante in recent weeks but took to social media on Wednesday morning to express her dismay over the situation.
Anti-discrimination group Kick It Out and the PFA have called for an independent review of the events that led to Aluko's complaints, while her club last week commended her for speaking out.
An FA statement read: "The FA can confirm an independent investigation found no wrongdoing in respect of a grievance raised by Eniola Aluko in 2016.
"Following an internal review into allegations raised by Eniola Aluko last year, The FA commissioned an independent investigation conducted by a barrister, Katharine Newton, from Old Square Chambers. Ms Newton is an expert on employment and discrimination law.
"The independent investigation commenced in December 2016 and concluded in March 2017.
"The detailed independent investigation report did not uphold any of Eniola Aluko's complaints and found no wrongdoing on behalf of The FA or others.
"The report recommended that a more detailed response to Eniola Aluko's original complaints should be made and so The FA commissioned Ms Newton to write to Eniola Aluko to provide such a response, in order to ensure complete transparency and objectivity of the findings."
