28/06/2005

Faria Alam recalled to tribunal

Former Football Association secretary Faria Alam has been recalled to give more evidence at a tribunal against her former employers.

The 39-year-old former model resigned from her job with the FA last year, following revelations of affairs with England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and former FA chief executive Mark Palios. She is suing the FA, claiming constructive dismissal, breach of contract, and sexual discrimination, for an amount believed to be around £30,000.

Ms Alam had claimed that her former boss – FA executive director David Davies – sexually harassed her. However, she has been recalled to provide more evidence, following the publication of a previously unseen interview, in which she appears to deny any allegations of sexual harassment.

In the interview, with the ‘Mail on Sunday’, Ms Alam is asked if Mr Davies ever “tried it on” with her. In response, she said: “No, no”. She went on to say: “I don’t see anything bad about him. We had a great rapport and I didn’t find him difficult to work for.”

Ms Alam had accused Mr Davies of making “unwanted advances” towards her and claimed that he had tried to hug and kiss her on several occasions. Mr Davies denied the allegations, telling the tribunal that the claims were “deeply hurtful and upsetting” and “a mixture of half-truths and fantasy”.

Two former colleagues of Ms Alam also provided statements supporting Mr Davies’ claims.

Ms Alam will be questioned about the apparent contradiction in evidence this afternoon.

The hearing continues.

(KMcA)










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