Tens of millions of pounds are riding on the outcome of the Football Association's inquiry into allegations that Chelsea and England captain John Terry made a racist remark at Anton Ferdinand of Queens Park Rangers.
Yes, that much. While everyone is innocent until proven guilty, until the F.A. delivers its verdict — and English football's governing body seems to move at snail pace — there will be doubts about what may or may not have been said.
Terry wants to become a coach when he quits playing, but should he be found guilty he, or anyone with such a charge on their CV, would find a future in football impossible. More immediately, Terry, who denies making any racist comments, would lose the England captaincy, while sharing a dressing room with Didier Drogba, Nicolas Anelka, Ashley Cole and other black or mixed race players would be difficult, putting it mildly.