FA ‘Instructed’ Former England Coach To Restrict Number Of Black Players In Team, Book Alleges

Graham Taylor, the manager of the England national football team in 38 games between 1990 and 1993, was allegedly asked by the Football Association to restrict the number of black players included in the team. A new book claims that two FA members instructed Tayor about the unofficial quota system in English football.

Pitch Black written by Emy Onuora, on the other hand, does not claim that Taylor agreed to follow the instructions and to limit the number of black players in the team. It, nevertheless, claims that senior FA figures tried convincing the-then coach to keep the team largely white.

The conversation between Taylor and the official was allegedly leaked by the former manager himself. He allegedly revealed it to Richie Moran at Watford’s ground in 1999-2000.

“Look, I’m going to tell you something … I’m never going to admit it, I will be sued for libel,” Taylor allegedly told Moran, “I was told in no uncertain terms not to pick too many black players for the national side.” Moran said in the book that Taylor refused to name the officials after he had SenSenvolunteered two names.

Taylor, meanwhile, dismissed the allegations that he had revealed such things to Moran. He denied allegation of having been under pressure for restricting the number of black players in the national football team. He said that he had no memory of the conversation mentioned in the book.

Taylor added that he had never had any problem in regards to team selection concerning black players from the FA. He also said that his record as regards the selection of black players at international and at club level was there for people to see. Taylor said that it was “completely wrong” to have his name linked with such thing.

Taylor, however, said that his denial of having the conversation with Moran did not mean that he was trying to evade it. It also doesn’t mean he didn’t say it, he said. Taylor added that it was clear from his records that he did not follow the alleged instructions.

The FA said that it was aware of the allegation. It emphasised that it was proud of the diverse nature of the England team. It added that matters of equality were taken very seriously.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@ibtimes.com.au