England women’s manager Mark Sampson has ‘stepped down’ after alleged “inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” during his time at Bristol Academy has been brought to the FA’s attention.

Sampson has already been in the headlines recently after Chelsea’s Eni Aluko accused her national team manager of racial prejudice and bullying after certain comments were made.

Sampson’s decision to ‘step down’ as England manager, however, apparently has nothing to do with this. In fact, the FA claims to stand by the decision made by independent barrister Katharine Newton to clear the manager of any wrongdoing.

Allegedly, it’s because of “inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour” during his time coaching at Bristol Academy.

We can confirm that Mark Sampson has left his position as head coach of the @England Women's team.

Full statement: https://t.co/iNL1lSW74j

— The FA (@FA) September 20, 2017

The FA are said to have been provided with a full report regarding the alleged incidents, which suggests he “overstepped the professional boundaries between player and coach.”

The 34-year-old, who was named England manager in 2013, was at Bristol for four years from 2009 onward.

The FA reveals that safeguarding allegations were made back in 2014 but Sampson apparently didn’t pose any risk back then, which begs the questions: why not? And why have they changed their minds now?

I’m sure more details and stories will come to light in the coming months, if not years. This unfortunately feels like just the tip of the iceberg.