"Speak Into My Jockstrap..."

March 9, 2010


England caught up in "bugging" row

The Football Association has reportedly ordered an investigation after claims that players and coaches from the England team were secretly recorded in the build-up to last week's friendly against Egypt.
It is alleged that conversations between players and members of the coaching staff were taped ahead of the Wembley fixture and offered to national newspapers, none of which took up the story.
The Times details how the FA's solicitors, Charles Russell, on Monday warned newspapers against publishing details of the recording which it is claimed was obtained illicitly.
England stayed at The Grove in Hertfordshire prior to the Egypt game but a spokesman told the Times the hotel was unaware of any reported security breach.
"We do not know anything about it," said the spokesman. "We have been hosting England for three or four years and provide a very high level of security for them. They also bring their own security team. It would surprise me if they had been bugged here."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted news the England team has been bugged is a concern.
Ferguson and Manchester United were at the centre of a similar controversy in 2005 when listening devices were found in the home dressing room at Old Trafford after a key encounter with Chelsea. And, ahead of a World Cup campaign, he thinks the latest development is a worry.
"It happened to us once before,'' he said. "I would be concerned about it. You have to be. Preparation involves discretion and secrecy. I haven't revealed one bit of my tactics ahead of the match tomorrow. I haven't been asked. And do you know why? Because I wouldn't tell anyone. Why should I tell anyone?
"Capello may have been discussing some important issues about his team. All of a sudden someone else has got it. It is a concern.''
England have just two friendles remaining before they travel to the World Cup in South Africa with Mexico and Japan the opposition at the end of May.
Capello's provisional squad will be named on May 16 and his final 23-man squad will be unveiled on June 1.
[end story]

If I were these teams, I would use misinformation to teach the culprits a lesson.  I find it sort of hilarious, other than team selection, that a side feels they can gain an advantage on another.  After a few minutes in a match it is painfully obvious what the other team's strategy is.  You have to adjust.  Unlike the United event, where Chelsea was trying to gain advantage, it seems someone in Egypt was merely trying to line their pockets with juicy talk about something or someone. 

This blog will self-destruct in five seconds.