Southgate was allowed to continue at the Riverside

The Premier League extended Southgate's dispensation to continue despite not having the required coaching badges and Uefa Pro Licence.

"The LMA is disappointed the Premier League board have chosen not to stick to the rule," said a LMA statement.

Southgate took over from Steve McClaren at the start of the season.

606: DEBATE Fergie, Shankly, Paisley and Dalglish didn't do these stupid badges and did fine! CC 606: Have your say

The LMA added: "The decision does not sit comfortably with those managers who were told that if they did not achieve Pro Licence status prior to the 2003-04 season, they would not be allowed to manage in the Premiership.

"They as a result applied themselves, in many cases at their own considerable expense, to obtain the required qualification."

The LMA were also critical of the decision to allow Glenn Roeder to continue as Newcastle manager towards the end of last season because he did not have a Uefa Pro License.

In Southgate's and Roeder's cases, both managers had stated that they were working towards achieving the necessary qualifications.