Svengate haunts FA

Soccer Shorts: The English FA's board meeting in three weeks' time will determine the level of support for the executive at the centre of fresh controversy.

Faria Alam, the former secretary involved in the "Svengate" saga last summer, has sent a solicitors' letter to the FA alleging that a senior figure sexually harassed her during her period of employment at Soho Square.

The allegations first circulated during last summer's crisis, which led to the resignation of the FA chief executive Mark Palios and director of communications Colin Gibson after an attempt to bury the story that Palios had conducted an affair with Alam by making public her affair with Sven-Goran Eriksson, the England manager.

Max Clifford, who is representing Alam, informed the Premier League chairman Dave Richards of her allegations three weeks ago. Alam is demanding £30,000 in lieu of notice after she quit the FA.

"She wants all this out in the open," Clifford said yesterday. "All she wanted was for this to be settled and she is prepared to go public if she doesn't get what she wants."

Though the FA refused to comment yesterday, the executive is believed to be ready to fight the allegations through the courts. Guardian Service

Fenlon wins award

Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon has been named Philips Sports Manager of the Month for November.

Shelbourne retained the National League Premier Division title on November 19th after a scoreless draw against St Patrick's Athletic in their final game of the season.

It was Shelbourne's fourth title success in the last six years and also the first time they have retained the trophy over their 109 years history.

Diouf to miss three

Bolton Wanderers striker El Hadji Diouf has been banned for three matches after spitting at Portsmouth's Arjan de Zeeuw in Saturday's Premier League match.

The 23-year-old Senegal international, who was fined two weeks wages by his club on Sunday after the incident at the Reebok Stadium, admitted a charge of improper conduct and his suspension starts immediately, the FA said on their website.

He will miss the Premier League matches away at Everton on December 4th and Norwich City on the 11th as well as the home game with Manchester City on the 18th.

Aragones confident

Spain coach Luis Aragones is confident he will escape any punishment for his racist comments about Thierry Henry or the British colonies.

The Spanish Anti-Violence Commission met last week to discuss Aragones' outbursts, and any role they could have had in provoking the racist chanting directed at England's black players during the friendly against Spain in Madrid on November 19th.

But the commission decided to delay judgement until the Spanish FA (RFEF) had elected a new president. Maria Angel Villar has since been re-elected RFEF president and met with Aragones yesterday.

However, the meeting was only to discuss team affairs and Aragones' role as Spain coach was not mentioned prompting the under-fire boss to announce: "I don't think that the anti-violence commission have the power to sanction me. I haven't done anything to be punished for so I'm not expecting a call from them. But if they call me, I will defend myself as my conscience is clear."

Mersey share scare

Liverpool and Everton will hold talks with British Sports Minister Richard Caborn today over the possibility of sharing a new stadium against a backdrop of fierce opposition by fans to such a move.

Everton supporters have rejected any suggestion of renting a stadium from their neighbours and bitter rivals, while Liverpool club officials insist they are committed to single ownership of a new ground.

Liverpool already have planning permission for a new 60,000-capacity stadium in nearby Stanley Park.

It is understood Liverpool would be happy to allow Everton to share the ground under a rental arrangement, but that is regarded as unacceptable by Blues fans.

Ian Macdonald, spokesman for Everton Independent Blues fans group, said: "That idea is a non-starter. Everton fans would be walking down Bill Shankly Way and sitting in the Bob Paisley Stand - can you imagine that?"

Leeds anger

Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell yesterday vented his frustration at Sebastien Sainsbury after the businessman last night announced he is preparing a renewed takeover bid.

Blackwell was far from happy Sainsbury chose to make his latest pronouncement just three hours before the kick-off of last night's Championship clash at Rotherham, which the club lost 1-0.

Blackwell rounded on Sainsbury as he said: "I haven't got a clue what is going on. It's a terrible position to be in, with a club the size of Leeds, to say you don't know what's happening. But I don't think anybody does, honestly and truthfully.

Queudrue appeal fails

Middlesbrough defender Franck Queudrue has been handed a three-match ban after having an appeal against his red card at Tottenham rejected.

The full back will now be forced to sit out the Premiership clash with Manchester City on Monday night as well as Southampton away and Aston Villa at home.