UEFA president Michel Platini got a taste of what Fabio Capello can expect tomorrow as the subject of John Terry became a recurring theme of a press conference ahead of the Euro 2012 draw.
One of the reasons the Football Association were so keen to get some kind of resolution on the England captaincy issue was the fear of the showpiece event at Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science being overshadowed.
Given the delicate nature of UEFA politics, that could have had a catastrophic effect on England's 2018 World Cup bid.
Even though Fabio Capello has now sacked Terry from his role after his alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's former partner Vanessa Perroncel and installed Rio Ferdinand as his successor, the Italian knows he will be besieged tomorrow once England's next European Championship opponents are known.
"I am not bothered," sighed Platini, when asked for the third time whether he thought Capello had taken the correct decision.
"What would you like me to say?
"I am here to speak about the European Championship qualifiers. Fabio Capello can do whatever he pleases. Luckily, it is for him to deal with."
Nevertheless, the chances are England will be the country most people will be interested in tomorrow, given it will represent the first opportunity to directly ask Capello about the decision to relieve Terry of the captain's armband.
Most Italian journalists present are incredulous that a national team captain can effectively be hounded out of his job for reasons that have nothing to do with football, something Capello himself might find difficult to fathom, even though the 63-year-old ended up making the final decision on the matter.
"Throughout my time as UEFA president I have learned each country has their own problems to deal with," said Platini.
"But what is of enormous interest in the UK is not necessarily of any in Cyprus.
"Specific countries have specific issues that are very important.
"In this instance I am sure Fabio Capello will address it behind the scenes."
Terry will be turning out for Chelsea against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge around four hours after England discover who they will play against as they attempt to atone for their failure to reach Euro 2008.
That was the astounding mishap that persuaded the Football Association to offer £6million-a-year to Capello, money they hope events of the past few days prove is worthwhile.
However, unless by some quirk of fate they end up in the same group as Scotland in tomorrow's draw, Capello - and Platini - know Terry's name is set to dominate the agenda for a little bit longer.
Given the delicate nature of UEFA politics, that could have had a catastrophic effect on England's 2018 World Cup bid.
Even though Fabio Capello has now sacked Terry from his role after his alleged affair with Wayne Bridge's former partner Vanessa Perroncel and installed Rio Ferdinand as his successor, the Italian knows he will be besieged tomorrow once England's next European Championship opponents are known.
"I am not bothered," sighed Platini, when asked for the third time whether he thought Capello had taken the correct decision.
"What would you like me to say?
"I am here to speak about the European Championship qualifiers. Fabio Capello can do whatever he pleases. Luckily, it is for him to deal with."
Nevertheless, the chances are England will be the country most people will be interested in tomorrow, given it will represent the first opportunity to directly ask Capello about the decision to relieve Terry of the captain's armband.
Most Italian journalists present are incredulous that a national team captain can effectively be hounded out of his job for reasons that have nothing to do with football, something Capello himself might find difficult to fathom, even though the 63-year-old ended up making the final decision on the matter.
"Throughout my time as UEFA president I have learned each country has their own problems to deal with," said Platini.
"But what is of enormous interest in the UK is not necessarily of any in Cyprus.
"Specific countries have specific issues that are very important.
"In this instance I am sure Fabio Capello will address it behind the scenes."
Terry will be turning out for Chelsea against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge around four hours after England discover who they will play against as they attempt to atone for their failure to reach Euro 2008.
That was the astounding mishap that persuaded the Football Association to offer £6million-a-year to Capello, money they hope events of the past few days prove is worthwhile.
However, unless by some quirk of fate they end up in the same group as Scotland in tomorrow's draw, Capello - and Platini - know Terry's name is set to dominate the agenda for a little bit longer.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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