Malky Mackay will not face FA charges after a lengthy investigation into his conduct as Cardiff City boss, in relation to the use of inappropriate language contained within text messages exchanged with former head of recruitment Iain Moody.

Mackay was alleged to have sent texts of a 'racist, homophobic and/or sexist nature' during his tenure in Wales, which ended with his dismissal by owner Vincent Tan in 2013.

The FA released a wide-ranging statement on Thursday morning which read: 'Having assessed the evidence, and in light of the finding that the communications were sent with a legitimate expectation of privacy, The FA will not be taking disciplinary action against Iain Moody and Malky Mackay in connection with the content of those messages.

'However, The FA has spoken to both Iain Moody and Malky Mackay about the inappropriateness of terms used in the messages. Both individuals have acknowledged that such terms are not acceptable. Mr Mackay has also voluntarily undertaken equality and diversity training.

'The FA is in the process of carrying out a complex review involving all stakeholders on how communications, and in particular those involving discriminatory language, which may be viewed as taking place in private should be treated in the future.

'The English game remains determined to eliminate discriminatory conduct in all its forms and will look to introduce a policy on private conduct that underpins the collective commitment of stakeholders to make this happen.'

The FA also conducted a further investigation into whether the duo engaged in discriminatory behaviour during their time at Cardiff.

Mackay, who helped Norwich win the 2004 First Division title and promotion to the Premier League, is yet to return to the management game after an unhappy spell at Wigan ended in his dismissal weeks before the Latics were relegated to League One for the upcoming season.

The FA statement continued: 'The FA has pursued every lead and encouraged anybody who wanted to provide information or evidence to do so. Malky Mackay and Iain Moody have been interviewed at length and 27 potential witnesses, based in the UK and overseas, have been spoken to.

'All of the information and evidence gathered during this process has been carefully assessed, with the assistance of a QC. At this stage no disciplinary charges will be brought against either Malky Mackay or Iain Moody in respect of their conduct whilst they were employed by Cardiff City FC.'