The FA has drawn up "a tough new code of conduct" for English players that will leave them "under no illusions" about the penalties for misbehavior off the pitch, according to Gibson & Fifield of the London GUARDIAN. The announcement comes following "damaging cases" involving players John Terry and Ashley Cole. FA Chair David Bernstein believes that the new rules should have been brought in "years ago" but would make it "crystal clear" where they stood. The rules include "separate sections for when players are on England duty or with their clubs." England’s senior squad was presented with the code on Monday night. Berstein said, "The England players are representing their country, they’re role models. Their behaviour is incredibly important in respect of everything else we’re trying to do." The code will encompass three sections: General conduct, applicable whether the player is with England or not; another on "conduct and behaviour" when players are with England; and a third on "how any breach will be dealt with." Sanctions are "not laid out" in the six-page document but will range from fines to bans and will be decided by the Club England management board. (GUARDIAN, 10/9).
LONG TIME COMING: In London, Matt Barlow reported that "plans have been unfolding since February, following the example set by England’s cricket team," who banned player Kevin Pietersen in a recent high-profile case. The code will cover England players and includes social networking activity like Twitter as well as "offences of discrimination, including racism." The code of conduct "will exist independently" of FA discipline and under the auspices of the Club England board (DAILY MAIL, 10/10). Also in London, Henry Winter reported that having consulted with the Rugby Football Union and the England and Wales Cricket Board about their codes for players, the FA "aims to have its version signed by the squad" before next month’s friendly with Sweden in Stockholm. The FA Board and all the England coaches "have approved it" (TELEGRAPH, 10/9).
