Secretaries defend FA boss against Alam claim
The claims were made by Faria Alam, who also told an employment tribunal that Mr Davies sexually harassed her.
The 39-year-old former model hoped Kim Fisher and Sarah Ford would back up her claims that Mr Davies made “unwanted advances.” Instead, the pair “absolutely refuted” what Ms Alam suggested, the hearing was told.
Ms Alam, of south-east London, has admitted flings with England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson and the FA’s former chief executive Mark Palios.
She also alleges that Mr Davies attempted to kiss her, hug her and grab her from behind.
FA lawyer Jeffrey Bacon told Ms Alam that he believed she had fabricated conversations with the two former employees just a week before the hearing.
“They were so indignant that they gave witness statements, they absolutely refuted what you said,” said Mr Bacon. Reading from Ms Fisher’s statement, he said: “In my five years with the FA, I had no complaint with David Davies in this way. I never felt uncomfortable with him and he never tried it on with me.”
Sarah Ford wrote: “I never told Faria that David tried it on with me. I would describe our relationship as businesslike.”
Ms Alam, who looked strained and weary, claimed that the women may have felt unable to speak out.
Ms Alam claims she was the victim of sexual discrimination, constructive dismissal, breach of contract and unequal pay.
The hearing was later offered a curious insight into the struggle between three senior FA staff for Ms Alam’s attentions, as she spoke about a Christmas party in December 2003.
Mr Bacon said she had been pictured sitting between Mr Eriksson and Mr Palios, playing “footsie” with the then chief executive, as Mr Davies looked on from across the table.
Ms Alam said that Mr Eriksson and Mr Palios told her separately after the meal “he’s probably going to get angry because you were not sitting next to him.”
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