FA deny Capello payout

The Football Association have denied claims Fabio Capello was given 1.5-million-pound compensation after resigning as England boss.

Capello cited irreconcilable differences with the FA as the reason for his departure, focusing mainly on the stripping John Terry of his captaincy without the Italian's approval.

Capello was on six-million-pound-a-year for his role as head coach of England and was in charge for over four years before his sudden resignation on Wednesday with five months remaining on his contract.

Since the announcement a few days ago, neither FA chairman David Bernstein nor any board member would discuss the matter publicly, but the FA have now moved to clarify that Capello did not receive the massive payout reported in the English press.

An FA spokesman said: "Media reports this week that Fabio Capello received a 1.5-million-pound payout are inaccurate."

"In yesterday's England media conferences, the FA repeatedly declined to discuss details regarding Fabio Capello's contract."

At the press conference on Thursday at Wembley it was revealed that the search for Capello's successor would begin immediately.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is the overwhelming favourite to land the England job, but England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce and West Bromwich Albion boss Roy Hodgson are also leading candidates amongst bookmakers.