John Terry removed as captain of England’s soccer team after allegations of affair

Terry stripped of England captaincy

LONDON — John Terry was removed as captain of England’s soccer team by coach Fabio Capello following allegations of an affair.

The Football Association announcement Friday that he’ll be replaced by Rio Ferdinand.

Capello told Terry of the decision in a brief meeting at Wembley Stadium, a week after the married Chelsea defender lost a High Court battle to ban publication of details of an alleged relationship with England teammate Wayne Bridge’s former girlfriend.

Capello said he had to do what was best for the England team.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LONDON (AP) — A senior Football Association official says John Terry has been stripped of the England captaincy by coach Fabio Capello following a media storm over his private life.

Capello told Terry in a meeting Friday that “he wanted to change the captain going forward,” according to the FA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because there had not been an official announcement.

It came a week after the married Chelsea defender lost a High Court battle to ban publication of details of an alleged relationship with England teammate Wayne Bridge’s former girlfriend.