England to bring in new code of conduct

(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

LONDON (AP) England players could be suspended from national-team duty if they breach a new code of conduct that is set to be introduced next month.

Football Association chairman David Bernstein is determined to stamp down on off-field indiscipline in the wake of a series of recent high-profile indiscretions from leading players like Ashley Cole and John Terry.

Bernstein says "I'm beginning to think it's the most important thing I've got to deal with as chairman."

The new code of conduct was outlined to the squad on Monday.

Club England managing director Adrian Bevington says "if someone transgresses in a way that brings the integrity of the team or themselves or the organization into question, we have the ability to warn them, or ... under significant circumstances to suspend them from England."

Updated October 10, 2012