FA sanction disciplinary hearing into the conduct of England’s diversity consultant Edleen John

EXCLUSIVE: The FA sanction a full disciplinary hearing into the conduct of England’s diversity consultant Edleen John after bullying allegations… with all options on the table after more claims were lodged

  • At least three more FA employees have now made claims against Edleen John 
  • The investigation found that there is sufficient grounds to schedule a hearing 
  • Ahead of the hearing, Sportsmail that understands all options are on the table
  • John has worked closely with the England football side over the issue of diversity

The Football Association have sanctioned a full disciplinary hearing into the conduct of the England team’s diversity consultant Edleen John amid bullying allegations first revealed by Sportsmail.

We can also disclose that at least three more FA employees have made claims against John, the governing body’s director of international relations, corporate affairs and co-partner for equality, diversity and inclusion, since the original complaint that triggered the organisation’s internal investigation.

Sportsmail have also been made aware of four external grievances linked to John’s behaviour away from the FA inquiry; three of which are within English football.

The two month investigation, carried out on behalf of the FA by an external body, into an initial complaint of intimidating behaviour from John towards a colleague has now been completed and the governing body believe there is sufficient grounds to schedule a formal disciplinary hearing.

Pertinently, in 2019, the FA completed and ultimately closed an internal inquiry into the conduct of former chief executive Martin Glenn amid allegations of corruption made by former Fulham director Craig Kline, deeming he did not have a case to answer.

The fact the FA are entering the second phase of their investigation – a full disciplinary hearing – in John’s case indicates a sense inside the organisation that one of their most senior employees cannot be instantly exonerated.

The FA have sanctioned a full disciplinary hearing into the conduct of the England team’s diversity consultant Edleen John (pictured above) after allegations of bullying were made

Sportsmail understands that all outcomes are on the table ahead of the disciplinary hearing.

Leading FA board member Sue Hough, who chairs the Women’s Football Board and National Game Board will, lead the hearing.

Prior to the investigation, Sportsmail understands the FA offered John the opportunity to take paid leave while enquires were being carried out. The FA executive refused the proposal.

The fact more FA, who have streamlined the director’s appearances at public engagements in recent months employees have come forward with similar complaints during the investigation could be a key development, while it is also believed the organisation has been the subject of negative feedback from other football stakeholders and groups.

John (centre) was accused of shouting and using aggressive tactics in the original complaint

John (centre) was accused of shouting and using aggressive tactics in the original complaint

In the original complaint, John was accused of shouting, being dismissive, giving unjust criticism, using aggressive tactics and malicious behaviour.

At the time the disgruntled employee did not want the correspondence to be treated as a formal complaint, a process which would have automatically triggered an investigation.

Nevertheless, following further enquires the FA decided to launch a probe anyway – a process that has resulted in further complaints.

In a statement released to Sportsmail at the time John described herself as an ‘activist’ who is ‘direct’ in her communication style but insisted she did not mean to intimidate anyone.

John joined the FA (pictured: Wembley Stadium) in September 2020 and she has worked closely with Gareth Southgate's side about the issue of equality, diversity and inclusion

John joined the FA (pictured: Wembley Stadium) in September 2020 and she has worked closely with Gareth Southgate’s side about the issue of equality, diversity and inclusion

John’s influence at the FA has grown since arriving in September 2020. She has worked closely with Gareth Southgate’s England team about the issue of equality, diversity and inclusion during a period when sickening discrimination has been on the rise.

She played a key role in delivering the FA’s historic Football Diversity Leadership Code in addition to a host of other projects aligned with the organisation’s focus on improving social matters and has been at the forefront of the organisation’s work towards how to deal with the human rights issues linked to the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The FA declined to comment.