FA unworried by Capello tax probe

LONDON, England -- England's new national coach Fabio Capello has told the Football Association that his tax payments are in order, after reports from Italy that his financial affairs are being scrutinized as part of a widespread investigation by the authorities.

The probe concerns Capello's time as coach of AS Roma and Juventus, but it seems that the FA were aware of the issue and are unworried about the outcome.

"It is our understanding that the Italian tax authorities are currently following a procedure of looking into the finances of a number of high-profile individuals," said an FA spokesman.

"We have spoken to Fabio and his advisors about today's newspaper reports in Italy and they have explained the facts. They have also given us their assurances that Fabio Capello's tax payments are in order. The FA have no further comment to make on this subject."

Capello is still fiscally registered in Turin, where he undertook his last coaching post in Italy.

Turin prosecutors are also still looking into Juventus's books as investigations are ongoing into the affairs of former Juventus bosses Luciano Moggi, Antonio Giraudo and Roberto Bettega.

Senior sources within Capello's camp have explained that the vagaries of the Italian justice system have made the news appear more sensational than it is.

The case involves the Italian courts because the former AC Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid coach is paid more than 200,000 euros per year.

As with anyone whose salary is in the millions, Capello's financial dealings are likely to be complicated and he has assured the investigators he will provide any further information they require for clarification on any specific point.

It has also been confirmed that while Capello has spent some time in Switzerland, at no time has he ever been domiciled in the country for tax purposes.

Capello's son Pier Filippo, who handles his father's business affairs, told Gazzetta dello Sport: "It's only a tax assessment, which has arisen from controls of the budget of Juventus - an issue dating back to some time ago which is known to all.

"One of the reasons for such dealings is that high-profile individuals, such as my father, often change residence for work reasons."

Capello himself released a statement on Wednesday: "With my advisors, I have always endeavoured to conduct my financial business with integrity.

"I have assured The FA today that my finances are in order and that I am not aware of any matters which would be of concern.

"I understand that these inquiries in Italy are part of a wider investigation into the finances of many high-profile individuals." E-mail to a friend