Timeline of events leading up to Mark Sampson's sacking

England Women's head coach Mark Sampson was sacked by the Football Association on Wednesday over safeguarding allegations made in 2014 about his time as Bristol Academy manager.

It is six weeks since England striker Eniola Aluko's allegations about her treatment by Sampson were first made public.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at the timeline of events since then.

August 7: The Daily Mail reveals that Aluko made allegations of bullying and harassment against Sampson and his staff in May 2016. A Football Association investigation concluded in March 2017 cleared Sampson and his staff of wrongdoing but Aluko was paid a settlement in a confidentiality agreement, which the FA insisted was to avoid disruption to England's Euro 2017 campaign.

August 16: Details of an allegation made by Aluko emerge claiming Sampson made a remark towards another player with ''racial and prejudicial connotations''. Sampson is alleged to have made reference to the number of times a player had been arrested.

August 17: As pressure grows for more details to made public, the FA releases a statement from Sampson saying he welcomed the investigation and would be looking to improve his communication skills.

August 21: Aluko speaks publicly on the matter for the first time and alleges Sampson made a racist comment to her ahead of an England game. After telling Sampson she had relatives coming from Nigeria to watch the game, Aluko claims Sampson replied: "Well make sure they don't come over with Ebola."

August 22: The Professional Footballers' Association backs calls for a new investigation into how Aluko's complaints were handled.

September 5: Sampson speaks publicly for the first time about the allegations and says his conscience is clear.

September 11: Damian Collins, chair of the parliamentary culture, media and sport select committee, tells the Guardian the committee is very concerned about the matter and will summon senior executives from the FA to answer questions.

September 12: Sampson appears to contradict evidence he gave to the inquiry when he tells a press conference he cannot recall ever having a conversation about Ebola with Aluko.

September 19: Every member of the starting XI races to the bench to celebrate with Sampson after Nikita Parris nets 11th-minute opener for England in their 6-0 World Cup qualifying win over Russia in Tranmere. The exuberant scenes spark criticism from Aluko, who suggests it was a sign of "disrespect" towards her from within the ranks of the Lionesses.

September 20: The FA sack Sampson with immediate effect. In a statement the FA says safeguarding allegations were made against Sampson in 2014 relating to his time as Bristol Academy manager. It said the current FA leadership was only made aware of a full report of that investigation last week and the report revealed "clear evidence of inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour by a coach".