Fabio Capello's World Cup preparations have been thrown further
into disarray by an illegal recording of an England team meeting
before last week's friendly against Egypt.
The FA launched an investigation into how a bug was planted in a
meeting room at the team hotel in Hertfordshire.
It is thought the spies have a six-hour recording and FA lawyers
have moved to block any publication of the material, claiming a
flagrant breach of privacy laws.
Bug bite: An illegal recording of an England team
meeting has rocked Capello
While Capello hoped Wednesday's 3-1 win at Wembley had brought a
scandal-ridden few weeks to a more positive conclusion, the England
manager will now be bracing himself for yet more controversy.
The FA do not know who is responsible for the recording, or
indeed who is in possession of the material, but there is
speculation that the contents could be extremely embarrassing.
It has been suggested that England players are heard discussing
bonuses they want for doing well in South Africa. There is also
speculation that players are heard joking about sex scandals. In
addition, Capello is said to have discussed tactics.
Exposed: The tapes reported the players are heard
joking about sex scandals
Given the events of the last few weeks, Capello is sure to be
furious. He has already had to strip John Terry of the England
captaincy after news of an affair resulted in Wayne Bridge refusing
to play for his country - not to mention the Daily Mail exposé
regarding Terry's Wembley box.
Capello had to remind his players of their responsibility as
role models after Ashley Cole was also the subject of salacious
revelations.
Add to that the injuries to key players, in particular Cole and
new skipper Rio Ferdinand, and the build-up to South Africa is far
from going to plan.