English FA publish code of conduct

The English FA have released a new code of conduct, incorporating use of social media into their regulations for international players.

Some of the more quirky stipulations released include: no wearing of earphones/headphones in mixed zones after matches, ‘sensible’ use of video or computer games and no hotel room service allowed when on international duty.

Mobile phone usage while on international duty is at the discretion of the manager at the time, while criticism on social media Facebook or Twitter – or any comments on those two sites either on game day or the day prior – is prohibited.

England’s senior men’s side were presented with the 16-page code before their World Cup qualifier in Poland on Wednesday, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

The code has come to light after England international and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole hit out at the FA via Twitter earlier this year, in reaction to evidence he gave in an investigation of club and national team-mate John Terry.