Capello trying to cover every angle for players

Fabio Capello has given another example of his famous attention to detail by organising for South American referees to take charge of England's friendly against Egypt next week.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Feb 2010, 11:56 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2010, 11:57 BST

England's draw with the United States, Slovenia and Algeria makes it likely they will have referees from continents other than Europe, North America and Africa in their group matches.

In order for the England players to experience playing a game officiated by a South American referee, Capello asked the FA's referees committee to organise officials from that continent.

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The FA yesterday announced that Paraguayan referee Carlos Manuel Torres will take the whistle against Egypt at Wembley, assisted by his countrymen Miciades Zaldivar and Rodney Aquino.

Torres has been a FIFA referee since 1998 and has officiated in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and the 2007 Copa America.

He was on the original shortlist of 54 referees for the World Cup but lost out to his countryman Carlos Amarilla.

Officials who have been selected for the World Cup finals are not permitted to referee teams who have qualified.

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Capello and senior World Cup officials, meanwhile, visited the training facilities at Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus yesterday.

FIFA are scheduled to announce where the 32 countries will be based for this summer's tournament later today, with Capello previously raising concerns about the pitches at the site near Sun City in the north-west of the country.

The construction of the 82-room hotel on the complex is yet to be completed but Niall Carroll, CEO of Royal Bafokeng Holdings who own the facilities, insists the project will be delivered on schedule.

That was the message conveyed to Capello when he looked at the work completed. FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke, World Cup chief organiser Danny Jordaan, South Africa FA president Kirsten Nematandani and Confederation of African Football president Issa Hayatou were also shown around.

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Carroll said: "Following the visits, we are confident that the Bafokeng Sports Campus will be ready and thoroughly tested in time for the World Cup.

"Construction remains on schedule and the primary pitches will be comparable to that of the Bafokeng Sports Palace, rated as one of the best in the country."

Related topics:EnglandFIFAEgypt