Inquiry into bugging of England meeting

Discussions involving the coach and his squad are understood to have been secretly taped ahead of last week's friendly against Egypt.

The team meeting took place at the Grove hotel, a spa and golf complex near Watford.

Although they have not commented officially, the FA's lawyers have moved to ensure the conversations remain confidential. They said the contents of the recording would be illegal and a breach of the Data Protection Act and Press Complaints Commission rules.

It is understood FA officials are attempting to get a copy of the recording and have approached a national newspaper to ask for more information.

The bugging is yet another unwelcome issue for Capello in the build-up to the World Cup. The England coach was forced to replace John Terry as captain following revelations about the Chelsea defender's private life.

Hertfordshire Police said no one had contacted the force about the clandestine recording.A spokeswoman said detectives would examine if any offences had been committed if a complaint was received.

A spokesman for the Grove said: "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."