FA Strips John Terry Of England Captaincy

Footballer John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy for the second time amid growing concern over his pending race abuse trial.

The move follows the adjournment of the trial until July 9 - nine days after the Euro 2012 finals come to an end.

The Football Association said it is concerned about the impact this could have on the team during the tournament.

In a statement the FA said: "The FA Board expected the trial to be concluded prior to the European Championship.

"Further to Wednesday's confirmation that the trial will not take place until after the tournament, the board has... collectively decided it is in the interests of all parties that John has the responsibilities of captaincy removed at this time.

"This decision has been taken due to the higher profile nature of the England captaincy, on and off the pitch, and the additional demands and requirements expected of the captain leading into and during a tournament.

"The FA Board can confirm that he has not been excluded from the squad and that Fabio Capello is free to select him for the Holland fixture on February 29 and the European Championship."

There has been no comment so far from Terry, who was reportedly informed of the board's decision by FA chairman David Bernstein in a phone call.

The Chelsea skipper is accused of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a league game in October.

England coach Fabio Capello's position has always been that Terry, who denies the charges, is innocent until proven guilty and that he should continue as captain until the trial is over.

There was said to be some nervousness among board members as to how the Italian would react, with some fearing he will see it as undue interference in team affairs.

He took the captaincy away from Terry in 2010 over his alleged affair with the ex-partner of former Chelsea teammate Wayne Bridge - but later reinstated him, saying he was the best man for the job.

It is thought Terry will still travel with the England team to Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012 even though the squad could also contain Ferdinand's older brother Rio.

Rio Ferdinand, who has been a staunch critic of Terry, was handed the captain's armband after it was first taken away from him. Rio has said he does not want it back.

Pressure had been growing for the FA to remove Terry as skipper again.

Damian Collins, a Conservative MP who sits on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said: "He is in a public position as England captain.

"Anyone else in a public position faced with such a criminal charge would stand aside from their position and then, if cleared, be able to return to that position."

Piara Powar, the executive director of European anti-discrimination body Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare), said on Twitter: "Innocent until proven guilty.

"But should John Terry remain as England capt through the Euros? I can't see how he can."

Terry is said to have racially abused Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League game at QPR's Loftus Road stadium on October 11.

Terry, 31, has vowed to fight the charges, which carry a maximum fine of £2,500.

In a statement issued after a court hearing on Wednesday, his legal team said: "Mr Terry looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name.

"(He) denies making any racist statement and will establish in court that he is not guilty of any such offence.

"Mr Terry has never racially abused another player in his entire career."