LONDON, SEPTEMBER 28: Sam Allardyce has left his post as England football manager by mutual agreement with the Football Association (FA) after just one match and 67 days in charge.
It follows a newspaper investigation claiming he offered advice on how to "get around" rules on player transfers. Allardyce, 61, is also alleged to have used his role to negotiate a deal worth £400,000 ($5,21,060) to represent a Far East firm.
An FA statement on Tuesday said Allardyce's conduct "was inappropriate" and Gareth Southgate, currently the manager of the England U-21 team, will take temporary charge. "Allardyce's conduct, as reported today (Tuesday), was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised. However, due to the serious nature of his actions, the FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect," the FA said in the statement.
"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," the statement added.
"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."
Allardyce succeeded Roy Hodgson in July following England's disastrous performance at Euro 2016 in France where they crashed out following a defeat to Iceland in the pre-quarterfinals. Following his dismissal, Allardyce has become the shortest-serving full-time manager of the England team.
The Daily Telegraph had reported that Allardyce had a meeting with undercover reporters posing as businessmen before he took charge of his first England training session.
Allardyce met FA chairman Greg Clarke and chief executive Martin Glenn on Tuesday to offer what he called a "sincere and wholehearted apology for my actions".
"Further to recent events, The FA and I have mutually agreed to part company. It was a great honour for me to be appointed back in July and I am deeply disappointed at this outcome," Allardyce said in a statement following his dismissal.
"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."
Asked whether the England manager's post would be his last job in football, Allardyce replied, "Who knows, we'll wait and see."
