The Football Association have released a statement explaining their reasons for dropping John Terry from the England captaincy.
Reports emerged today stating that the Chelsea skipper was axed from the captaincy following news of a pending trial of racism allegations concerning Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand.
The FA statement read: "Following the decision to adjourn the court case against John Terry to July, The Football Association confirm he will not captain the England team until the allegations against him are resolved.
"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 discussed the matter in detail and 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 29 February and the European Championship. This decision in no way infers any suggestion of guilt in relation to the charge made against John Terry."
The governing body went on to say that it is the decision of the Three Lions manager Fabio Capello as to who will replace Terry as captain.
Sports Mole have considered the potential candidates for the skipper's armband.
Danielle Joynson
