How the FA should have handled the Eriksson/Fire Alarm affair,
by Martin Samuel - The Times Football correspondent
Reporter: We understand Sven-Göran Eriksson is having an affair with Faria Alam, an FA employee.
FA: So what?
Reporter: Sorry?
FA: So what?
Reporter: Well, isn’t that an abuse of his position?
FA: Is she picking the England team?
Reporter: No.
FA: Then, so what?
Reporter: Well, it’s a scandal. They’re having sex. What about Nancy?
FA: Is he single?
Reporter: He thinks he is.
FA: Is the girl single?
Reporter: Yes.
FA: Then so what? I hope he is having sex. I hope she is having sex. I hope they’re having it right now, in fact. I hope they are working their way through pages one to 57 of the Kama Sutra while we speak, because then at least two people on this pitiful little island will be enjoying themselves instead of being stuck here in an office answering questions from you.
Reporter: Is that your official reaction?
FA: Oh yes, you can quote me. The FA hopes all of its employees are having wonderful sex. In fact, the FA commands its employees to have wonderful sex — every day. Sex, sex, sex, sex, sex. That’s why we moved to Soho. We’re at it like rabbits, you know. All of us, all the time. I’ve been doing it while we’ve been on the phone. Now if you would excuse me.
Reporter: You do know this conversation is being taped.
FA: Big deal. Mine is being videoed. Yes baby, move a little closer, now pout . . .
One week later.
Reporter: We’ve found out Mark Palios is at it, too.
FA: Oh, you again. Is he single?
Reporter: Yes.
FA: (Long pause). Are you deaf?
Privately, a word could then be had with the relevant individuals, warning them against behaviour that may compromise their professional abilities (it would be hard for a boss to dismiss a secretary he had slept with, for instance). End of story. No drama, and certainly no crisis.
For the whole article go to:
Eriksson Article