Ralph Krueger calls Eric Black allegations a 'personal issue for him'

TORONTO -- Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger has said the allegations of impropriety against first-team assistant Eric Black are a "personal issue for him" and that the club plan to cooperate fully with the FA as they seek more details on the matter.

The news about Black compounded an already bad day on Thursday for Krueger, who is also the head coach of Team Europe at the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.

First, he saw Saints play out a goalless draw against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Europa League group stage. Then Black was implicated in the Daily Telegraph's undercover corruption investigation, for seemingly giving advice on how to bribe other football officials. Hours later, Team Europe gave up two late goals to lose to Canada, 2-1, and finish runner-up at the World Cup.

At the end of the hockey game, Krueger stood behind his empty bench, his hand to his face. Afterwards, he was asked about Black.

"Obviously under the circumstances, I focused on what I was doing here today," Krueger told ESPN FC and The Associated Press. "I completely trust our club and our leadership that's there right now.

"We will participate completely in the process to make sure that this is an opportunity for English football.

"In regards to the situation with Eric, it's a personal issue for him. It has nothing directly to do with us as a club," Krueger added. "I don't have enough information to make judgment on it. All I know is that Southampton Football Club is going to do everything possible to participate with The FA in finding ways to improve regulation as a result. That's all I can tell you."

Tomorrow's Daily Telegraph front page: "Top coach gave bribery advice" pic.twitter.com/BGQTcIfC3U

- The Telegraph (@Telegraph) September 29, 2016

The Saints had already released an official statement earlier in the day, saying that they had requested but not received the entirety of the Telegraph's report, which was published in Friday's edition. "We have contacted The FA and The Premier League, and intend to work closely with both bodies on this matter when the facts become clear," the statement read.

The side also said they were "fully committed" to investigating the situation.

That echoes Krueger's previously strong statements on the growing scandal, when he had told ESPN he was "absolutely shocked" about the scandal that cost Sam Allardyce his job as England boss.