Capello's lawyers refute claims

Capello has given evidence in the trial in Italy of six men accused of using threats or violence to intimidate players into signing up for the GEA World sports agency.

The state prosecutor believes Capello's answers may have been evasive and has launched an investigation that the 61-year-old may have withheld information from a court.

But Capello's lawyers said in a statement released to PA Sport: "We are really surprised by the Public Prosecutor's declaration.

"Mr Capello was heard as a witness in the proceedings against the GEA Company, and confirmed before the Court of Rome all of the declarations that he had already provided to the Public Prosecutor during the investigation.

"Mr Capello made it clear that he has never been involved in the conclusion of professional football players' contracts, and has only limited and indirect knowledge of this subject.

"At the end of the hearing, Mr Capello was certain that in his capacity as a witness, he had given all the information required of him to the Prosecutor and the Court.

"Therefore, we are confident that everything will soon be completely cleared."

In court, the England manager denied having been put under pressure over the management of players during his time at Juventus and Roma.

The Football Association have refused to comment. A spokesman said: "This is a private matter and we have no comment to make."