Allardyce leaves England job

Sam Allardyce has left his role as England manager in the aftermatch of a newspaper sting operation.

The Telegraph reported that Allardyce used his position to negotiate a £400,000 deal for giving advice on signing players and how to bypass FA rules on player transfers.

Allardyce had only been in the role since 22 July and was summoned to the FA offices on Tuesday where he was relieved of his duties. He oversaw just one match in charge of England, the World Cup qualifier 1-0 win against Slovakia.

The sting operation began ten months ago, before Allardyce was appointed England boss, and involved reporters posing as businessmen.

In the talks, Allardyce was seen to say that it was possible to bypass rules on third-party players.

Those regulations were brought in during 2008 in order to stop players being owned by agents; the practice is also banned by FIFA.

Allardyce was also filmed negotiating a deal that would see him flying to Asia to explain to partners at a firm how to go about buying players.

Under this part of the agreement he would be paid £400,000 for four visits a year.

An FA statement said: ""Allardyce's conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised.

"This is not a decision that was taken lightly but the FA's priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football.

"The manager of the England men's senior team is a position which must demonstrate strong leadership and show respect for the integrity of the game at all times.

"Gareth Southgate will take charge of the men's senior team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain whilst the FA begins its search for the new England manager.

"The FA wishes Sam well in the future."

In a statement posted on the FA website, Allardyce apologised for his behaviour.

"Further to recent events, the FA and I have mutually agreed to part company," he said.

"It was a great honour for me to be appointed back in July and I am deeply disappointed at this outcome.

"This afternoon, I met with Greg Clarke and Martin Glenn and offered a sincere and wholehearted apology for my actions.

"Although it was made clear during the recorded conversations that any proposed arrangements would need the FA's full approval, I recognise I made some comments which have caused embarrassment.

"As part of today's meeting, I was asked to clarify what I said and the context in which the conversations took place. I have co-operated fully in this regard.

"I also regret my comments with regard to other individuals."