Capello in hot water with FA

Former FA chief executive David Davies thinks England manager Fabio Capello may have breached his contract over John Terry.

The Chelsea centre-back has been stripped of the England captaincy and is awaiting trial for allegedly racially abusing Anton Ferdinand in Chelsea’s clash with QPR in October.

Capello criticised the FA’s decision to remove Terry of the captain’s armband.

Terry denies the charge but FA chairman David Bernstein acted to remove his captaincy on Friday after his trial was scheduled for July 9, meaning that the allegations would potentially overshadow preparations for Euro 2012, which begins on June 8.

The decision was, however, taken without consulting manager Capello, who, when asked on Sunday whether he agreed, told Italian broadcaster Rai 1: “No, absolutely not.”

“I have spoken to the chairman and I have said that, in my opinion, one cannot be punished until it’s official and the court – a non-sporting court, a civil court – has made a decision to decide if John Terry has done what he has been accused of.”

And Davies responded on Monday, telling BBC television: “It is being taken very seriously by the FA because it may be that Fabio Capello has breached his contract.”

“You have to ask what his motive is. You have to suspect he wants to prevent John Terry retiring as a player before Euro 2012, but there are wider issues.”

“You could have what some of the media are calling a morality circus while England are trying to win the second major tournament in football.”

“There is strong leadership now at the FA from David Bernstein. Last week he wasn’t slow to take things forward and he may not be slow to do so now.”

The Italian is expected to stand down from his role after Euro 2012 for which he earns a reported six million pounds a year.