John Terry was sacked as captain of the England football team following allegations about his private life, the Football Association said on Friday.
“After much thought, I have made the decision that it will be best for me to take the captaincy away from John Terry,” said England Manager Fabio Capello in a statement.
“What is best for all of the England team has inspired my choice. John Terry was notified first.”
The decision was made after allegations that Terry had an extra-marital affair with a former girlfriend of another England player.
Publicist Max Clifford gave a statement on behalf of the woman at the centre of the scandal, Vanessa Peroncell, on Friday, stating that she had nothing more to say on the matter and would not be talking to the media.
Vice-captain Rio Ferdinand, currently serving a four-match suspension for violent conduct, is likely to become the new England captain, with Steven Gerrard taking over as deputy.
“When I chose John Terry as captain, I also selected a vice-captain and also named a third choice. There is no reason to change this decision,” Capello said.
