Who's who in the Eriksson affair

Brief profiles of the people at the centre of the Sven-Goran Eriksson FA controversy:

Sven-Goran Eriksson, 56. England manager.

Became England's first foreign manager when he succeeded Kevin Keegan in January 2001.

Won over many of the doubters in the early days, bringing a calm, professorial approach as England qualified for the 2002 World Cup on the back of an inspired 5-1 away win over Germany.

Was criticised for his apparent lack of passion during England's limp quarter-final exit from the tournament in South Korea and Japan at the hands of 10-man Brazil.

Maintained a cool outlook even when he was exposed talking to Chelsea officials and the FA responded by extending his contract to 2008 and increasing his salary to four million pounds ($7.29 million) per year.

Failed again at Euro 2004, going out on penalties to hosts Portugal in the quarter-finals and suffered more criticism for his negative tactics and substitutions.

Off-pitch he was involved in an affair with fellow Swede and TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson and last week said that he had not "categorically confirmed or denied" an affair with FA secretary Faria Alam.

The latest scandal led to the end of his six-year relationship with Italian Nancy Dell'Olio.

----

Mark Palios, 51. Former FA chief executive (resigned on Sunday).

A former professional footballer who became an accountant, Palios took over from Adam Crozier in July 2003 as the FA was trying to put its financial house in order after the huge hole left by the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium.

Palios earned respect for his financial approach and for the hard line he espoused on drugs and indiscipline, highlighted by his stand on Rio Ferdinand when the Manchester United defender was banned for eight months for failing to attend a drugs test.

He resigned on Sunday after revelations that director of communications Colin Gibson had been trying to cut a deal with a newspaper to keep quiet about Palios's affair with Alam while giving full details of Eriksson's.

Palios said he was taking ultimate responsibility for the fiasco, though said he felt he had done nothing wrong personally.

----

Colin Gibson, FA director of communications

Made his name as one of the country's leading soccer journalists before becoming sports editor of the Sunday Telegraph and then the Daily Mail.

Switched sides to join the FA as director of communications in January and was widely praised for his role during Euro 2004.

Was undone when he attempted to broker the deal with the News of the World, asking for details of Palios's affair with Alam to be hushed up.

The newspaper published transcripts of the conversation and Gibson offered his resignation, yet to be accepted.

----

Faria Alam, 38. Personal assistant to executive director and acting chief executive David Davies.

Had a brief affair with Palios, who was separated from his wife and the mother of his five children at the time, then another with Eriksson.

The News of the World broke the story of her affairs and, although she initially denied it, emails to a friend confirming her version of the events confirmed them.

Born in Bangladesh, the daughter of a Pakistani businessman was brought up in northern England. The former part-time model was due back at the FA from holiday on Monday but has yet to show and is reported to be in communication with various newspapers with a view to selling her story.

----

Geoff Thompson, 58. FA chairman.

Also facing an uncertain future after failing to control the fallout from the affair and authorised the release of a statement exonerating Palios. Set up and will chair Thursday's enquiry into Eriksson.

Well respected in the game, a member of the FA council for 25 years, chairman for five and now a UEFA vice president.

----

David Davies, 56. FA executive director and new acting chief executive.

While all around him have fallen, Davies has continued his inexorable rise since joining the FA as a director of public affairs 11 years ago.

Now in his third stint as acting chief executive and in with a chance of getting the job on a permanent basis. The former BBC reporter and Grandstand presenter is a staunch ally of Eriksson and his testimony about the nature of the two men's initial phone conversation on the Alam allegations will be vital in Thursday's hearing.

----

Trevor Brooking, 55. FA director of football development.

Recently knighted for his services to the game, the former England midfielder and media pundit is seen as the sort of squeaky clean character who can rise above all the current problems at the FA and is being pushed as a new chief executive in some areas of the media.