In 2013, Alam testified in the News International phone hacking scandal; her phone had been hacked by Glenn Mulcaire, a private investigator working on behalf of the News of the World, in June 2004.

In January 2006, Alam appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in the UK. On 17 January 2006, while up for the public vote, she commented that the British public would “never let a black or Asian win” the show on the basis that the British establishment and/or media would not permit it. On 18 January 2006, she became the second housemate to be evicted.

In 2006, Alam played a hitwoman in the movie Cash and Curry. In an interview she said of the role: “It was a role that presented itself to me and I took it on as one of life’s experiences”.

Alam began an affair with chief executive Mark Palios. When the relationship with Palios ended, she had an affair with then England football team manager Sven-Goran Eriksson. At the time Eriksson was in a relationship with Nancy Dell’Olio, though shortly before he had had an affair with TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson. As Eriksson and Dell’Olio were often photographed, interviewed, and reported on in the media, when Alam’s affairs came to the attention of the public in August 2004, a media scrum ensued and she resigned her post.

In October 2004, Alam made claims against the Football Association of sexual harassment, unfair dismissal, and breach of contract. In September 2005, her claims were rejected by an industrial tribunal.

After modelling and working as an administrator, in July 2003, Alam took a job as personal assistant to executive director David Davies at The Football Association, based at the organisation’s headquarters in Soho Square, London.

Faria Alam (born 13 February 1966) is a former Football Association secretary.