Capello Index shelved until after World Cup

Capello's involvement in the project and the timing of it's launch seem strange (GETTY IMAGES)

The controversial 'Capello Index' project has been shelved until after the World Cup.

England coach Fabio Capello created a storm of controversy by putting his name to the project yesterday, just 24 hours before he was due to name his provisional 30-man squad for this summer's World Cup.

And, after a meeting between Capello and senior FA staff this morning, the launch will be suspended until after England's bid for glory in South Africa is over.

"Fabio Capello's involvement has been purely as a technical expert to establish statistical criteria for the Index," a spokesmen for Capello outlined.

"He has not been directly involved in the on-line gaming element of the site.

"However, he wants to ensure that all appropriate protocols are in place before the project proceeds and has therefore decided today to postpone it."

At this stage it is not clear whether the project will go ahead as planned for the start of the new Premier League season in August.

However, at least by taking such decisive action, Capello has removed the potential for annoyance at ratings for his players appearing within two hours of a World Cup game.

Getting himself involved in the project at such a sensitive time does raise a question mark about Capello's judgement, especially as the financial benefit would come to a man who already pockets £6million-a-year as England coach.

The FA hierarchy were totally dumbfounded when they discovered Capello's involvement yesterday, and although the Italian did not immediately see a problem, it has quickly been pointed out to him.

The 'Capello Index' was depicted as the 63-year-old's individual analysis of matches being made public, when in actual fact that was not the case.

However, the perception was clear for everyone to see and the FA are desperate to avoid any allegation of disharmony in the England camp for what they view as totally unnecessary reasons.

Players are notoriously sensitive to their performances being marked and the fact their coach was putting his name to such assessments could only turn inflammatory at some stage.

In the 'Capello Index' player performances would be marked out of 100 - based on an analysis provided by the England chief.

Points are awarded depending on the area of the pitch players competed in and the importance of the match.

A four-week trial of the index, limited to players from Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool - rated Ledley King as the best English defender.

And Joe Cole was ranked as the third best midfielder, even though his place in the squad Capello names this afternoon is far from certain.