The FA is launching an independent investigation into allegations against the former leading referee.

The claims against him have been made by former FA staff members and are understood to relate to alleged racist comments.

The investigation is set to start in the New Year.

Back in 2014, Elleray was investigated by the FA after he made an alleged comment about the skin colour of a black former employee.

Elleray apologised and took an equality and diversity training course.

The 67-year-old became a Football League referee in 1983 and spent 20 years as a top-flight official.

He took charge of the 1994 FA Cup final when Manchester United defeated Chelsea to clinch the double, as well as the Euro 96 final between Germany and the Czech Republic at Wembley.

Elleray retired in 2003, having refereed over 1,500 matches including 64 international fixtures. He later became a referee assessor for FIFA and UEFA.