FA suspends Crewe Alexandra director of football Dario Gradi

Crewe director of football Dario Gradi has been suspended by the FA as part of its wider review into historical allegations in football.

In a statement before his suspension, the 75-year-old denied any wrongdoing and said he would help the review.

The FA has not commented on his suspension and on claims he "smoothed over" a complaint of sexual assault against a Chelsea scout in the 1970s.

Sky News spoke to Mr Gradi at his home on Sunday. He refused to explain why he had been suspended.

Crewe Alexandra chairman John Bowler has declined to comment on Mr Gradi's suspension.

It is understood the FA intends to question Mr Gradi at a later stage.

The game's domestic governing body has the power to suspend anyone if it feels that to be the most appropriate action.

Mr Gradi said earlier this month: "Aside from denying any wrongdoing, it would be inappropriate and unfair on all parties to comment piecemeal through the media at this time in connection with historical allegations.

"Suffice to say, I will do everything within my power to assist all investigatory authorities into what is becoming a wide-ranging and important enquiry into historical sexual abuse."