Eriksson's private life has been the subject of much speculation

The affair had previously been denied by the FA, but a spokesman confirmed the Swede had a relationship with 38-year-old former model Faria Alam.

The admission came after a Sunday newspaper had presented further evidence of the rumoured affair.

Emails obtained by the News of the World show Ms Alam confirming the relationship to a friend.

Evidence

The FA statement said: "Earlier in the week the Football Association made statements on behalf of Faria Alam, denying that she had a sexual relationship with the England coach Sven Goran Eriksson.

"New evidence has been presented to us in the form of emails which Ms Alam has sent to friends about the relationship and, having made further inquiries, we can confirm that a relationship did take place."

The statement also admitted that FA chief executive Mark Palios had earlier had a relationship with the same woman.

The 56-year-old England coach's private life has been in the spotlight since it was revealed he had a previous affair with television presenter Ulrika Jonsson.

The Swede - who earns �5m a year - signed a contract extension in March to remain as England coach until 2008.

He vowed to stay on after England's disappointing European Championships exit at the hands of hosts Portugal in June.