Sir Dave Richards slams Rio Ferdinand withdrawal

Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards believes that Rio Ferdinand's decision to withdraw from the England squad has brought "the game into a little bit of disrepute".

The Manchester United defender was called up to the Three Lions squad for the first time since June 2011, having been famously overlooked for Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 party, and stated his intention of linking up with his country.

However, the 34-year-old withdrew from international duty due to the demands of a "detailed pre-planned training and medical programme", and Richards has criticised his decision.

"Rio has been a fantastic servant to England and he's been a great person for the game, and to one day say he's going to play and the next day [to say he isn't going to play], I think that does bring the game into a little bit of disrepute, and perhaps we need to learn a lesson and do a bit of checking first within the FA," Richards said.

"It's not good to the Premier League or to Manchester United or Roy Hodgson for one day Rio to say he's going to play and the next day to say he's not. It's something that's not quite right."

England face San Marino on Friday.