Sexwale slams Terry captaincy decision

Published Nov. 18, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

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The decision to keep John Terry as England captain while he is being investigated for alleged racial abuse of an opponent has been criticised by Tokyo Sexwale, the South African government minister who has found himself dragged into the Sepp Blatter controversy.

Chelsea skipper Terry is under investigation by both the Football Association and the police over allegations, which he strongly denies, that he racially abused QPR's Anton Ferdinand.

England boss Fabio Capello kept Terry as captain for the Sweden friendly on Tuesday - something that was "not helpful'' according to Sexwale.

The former anti-apartheid activist, who is also a member of FIFA's fair-play committee, told a press conference in Johannesburg today that Blatter had made an "unfortunate mistake'' but had a long pedigree of working against racism.

He added: "The most worrisome of the cases is that which involves Chelsea captain John Terry where he is being investigated for racial remarks allegedly made to the brother of Rio Ferdinand, Anton.

"John Terry is also captain of the England football team. It is not helpful for any side to honour him with the captain's armband while the case is still [ongoing].''