Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Terry axed as England captain

Updated at 8:29 am on 4 February 2012

John Terry has been dumped as captain of the England football team as he faces charges of racial abuse.

But the English Football Association has confirmed Terry will still be available for selection to the national team.

In a statement following widespread media reports that Terry had been sacked, the FA says the Chelsea defender was being removed "in the interests of all parties" and that manager Fabio Capello had not been involved in the decision.

Terry has denied charges that he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during a match in October last year.

Terry will miss fourth-placed Chelsea's home match against Manchester United on Monday with a knee injury, sparing him unwelcome attention.

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand