The [Schreier conjecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schreier_conjecture) asserts that $\mathrm{Out}(G)$ is always a solvable group when $G$ is a finite simple group. This result is known to be true as a corollary of the classification of finite simple groups, although no simpler proof is known. Question: > - What is the obstruction to have a direct transparent proof of Schreier conjecture? Mathieu group $M_{11}$, $M_{23}$, $M_{24}$ are sporadic simple groups, whose outer automorphism group is trivial. Mathieu group $M_{12}$, $M_{22}$ are sporadic simple groups, whose outer automorphism group is $\mathbb{Z}_2$. [Tits group ${}^2F_4(2)′$](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tits_group) is a sporadic simple group, whose outer automorphism group is $\mathbb{Z}_2$. Monster group $\mathbb{M}$ is the largest sporadic simple group, whose outer automorphism group is trivial. > - Are there some bounds for the outer automorphism groups of sporadic simple groups? (such as bounded by a finite cyclic group $\mathbb{Z}_n$?)