FA executive director David Davies would not confirm suggestions that Eriksson had lied to him after being suspected of having an affair with secretary Faria Alam, who is suing the association for constructive unfair dismissal and sexual discrimination.

But he said at an employment tribunal in London that he had told an FA internal inquiry words to the effect that "Sven's got a roving eye. He's like a seagull and can wrap his wings around people".

Eriksson, 56, was widely reported in the British media last year to have had an affair with Alam, who was also said to have had a relationship with then chief executive Mark Palios, 52. Palios later resigned.

Alam, 39, who also quit, had accused her boss, Davies, of sexual harassment earlier in the hearing.

Davies told the tribunal on Friday that he had been "flabbergasted" by the allegations.

"I spoke to Sven and Faria, both of whom denied there was any truth to that story," Davies said.

"When someone I know well and trust and see as a friend says to me, as she said, 'I am not having an affair', I believe them."

However, when pressed in cross-examination about his conversation with Eriksson, Davies said: "I cannot recall the details of it."

He added: "I had asked Mr Eriksson and I had satisfied myself totally that there was no affair. Whether he was lying has to be put to Mr Eriksson, not me."

Davies, 57, also denied Alam's allegations that he had harassed her and had a reputation as a sexual predator at the FA.

"She brought them up less than a week before this hearing and I was dumbfounded. I may have reputations for many things but a reputation for trying it on with women is a new accusation in my life.

"Faria's allegations are deeply hurtful and upsetting. I have read them with sadness and incredulity. I trust Faria understands the impact of them upon others than just myself. In summary they are a mixture of half-truths and fantasy."

Two former secretaries to Davies, said by Alam to have told her he "tried it on" with them, denied the allegations in written statements.

"David never 'tried it on' with me. I never told Faria that David tried it on with me or anything similar," wrote Sarah Forde.

"I would describe the relationship that I had with David as his PA as businesslike rather than social."

Kimberley Fisher added: "I would like to state that in my five years at the FA I had no complaints about David Davies in this respect. I never felt uncomfortable with him and do not feel that he ever 'tried it on' with me."

The hearing continues.