Faria claims rubbished

Two key witnesses have dramatically come forward to dismiss Faria Alam's claims that Football Association boss David Davies was a serial sex pest with a reputation for "trying it on".

Both former employees at the FA were so indignant that Ms Alam had used their names to back her case that they gave witness statements directly contradicting her. Today those last-minute statements were read out at an employment tribunal. The FA is attempting to demolish Ms Alam's allegations that Mr Davies repeatedly sexually harassed her by groping her in a lift, trying to kiss her on the lips and attempting to seduce her at his flat.

The women's intervention comes as a severe blow to Ms Alam, who is claiming constructive dismissal. She says she was forced to resign after news of her affairs with England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and FA chief executive Mark Palios were made public. The former PA has claimed she was told by retired FA employees Sarah Ford and Kim Fisher that Mr Davies "had tried it on with them".

On hearing last week that Ms Alam would be naming Mr Davies as the so-called third man, the FA managed to track down both women to hear their side of the story. FA officials found Ms Fisher in south-east Asia within 48 hours.

FA counsel Jeffrey Bacon said today: "The two former PAs she cites as saying David Davies tried it on were absolutely indignant about the allegations. They were so indignant that they gave witness statements. They absolutely refuted what you said."

In her statement Ms Fisher said: "In my five years with the FA I had no complaints with David Davies in this way. I never felt uncomfortable with him. He never tried it on with me." Ms Ford, of south-east London, said: "I never told Faria that David tried it on with me. I would describe our relationship as businesslike rather than social." She said she had accompanied him on several trips abroad but his behaviour remained "entirely professional".

Ms Alam countered that Ms Fisher and Ms Ford had suddenly changed their stories. She said: "When women talk, things are said behind closed doors. Sarah and I had discussed this. We all knew nothing could come of this. We couldn't say anything."

But Ms Alam was accused of making up the sexual harassment claims to extract more money from the media. Mr Bacon said none of the allegations of harassment had appeared in her initial statement. Ms Alam insisted she was telling the truth about what she called Mr Davies's "unwarranted advances". The hearing continues.