22/06/2005

E-mail allegations in FA secretary's tribunal

The former Football Association secretary at the centre of a sex scandal used her work e-mail to brag of her affairs with senior FA members, a tribunal has heard.

Faria Alam, who resigned from her position last August, following revelations of her affairs with both England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and FA chief executive Mark Palios, is suing the FA for constructive dismissal.

The hearing, at the Central London Employment Tribunal, heard allegations that Miss Alam sent frequent e-mails from her work account to friends and family detailing her affairs.

It was claimed that she referred to Mr Eriksson as ‘Sugar’ and Mr Palios as ‘PP’ or ‘Pretty Polly’.

In one e-mail, Miss Alam is alleged to have written: “I want to be happy and very, very rich and successful and I will be. I’m not going to settle for second best ever. If it all goes well, I suppose Sugar will have to announce it to the papers.”

The former model is also alleged to have included details of her sexual encounters with both Mr Palios and Mr Eriksson and is said to have described Mr Eriksson as a “generous lover”.

Miss Alam has claimed that the FA leaked details of her private lift in an attempt to discredit her. She is also claiming sexual discrimination, breach of contract and unequal pay. She is thought to be seeking around £30,000 in compensation.

Yesterday, Miss Alam also accused FA executive director David Davies of sexual harassment. Mr Davies has denied the accusation. He was present at the hearing, but was not due to give evidence today.

(KMcA/SP)

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