World Football: England Mess Up Once More

If qualifying for the Euro 2008 wasn't embarrassing enough, England now face the ignominy of having their friendly against Trinidad & Tobago struck off the record books because they exceeded the maximum number of substitutes that can be used in a game.

England used seven substitutes in that game, whereas the maximum allowed by FIFA is in fact six.

The FA claim that they had already asked for prior permission to use an extra substitute and had got an approval for the same. But, FIFA say that no such permission was given.

The FIFA spokesman declared: “FIFA did not give special dispensation to make up to seven substitutions in the Trinidad & Tobago v England match.”

But the FA have refuted the above statement by saying, “The opportunity to use seven substitutes was cleared in advance of the game by FIFA, Trinidad and Tobago representative Jack Warner, the FIFA delegate for the game and the match referee.

“There is no way we would have gone ahead using seven subs without the approval that we were given.”

So, if it is found that England didn't get the requisite approval, David Beckham's return to captaincy would be chalked-off.

Another potential loser could be football club, Shrewsbury Town, for whom Joe Hart played for as they received five-hundred thousand pounds from Manchester City for his international cap as part of his transfer deal.

One thing is for sure—this story is going to be a massive source of disappointment and embarrassment for England and their fans.

What do you make of this story?

Are the incompetent FA to blame or should FIFA take responsibility for this mess?