FIFA chief Blatter in blast at Capello appointment

Blatter, who has a history of contentious remarks, was critical of the Football Association for appointing a foreign manager.

 "I would say it is a little surprising that the motherland of football has ignored a sacrosanct law or belief that the national team manager should be from the same country as the players," Blatter told the BBC.

 "I have never seen Italy, Germany, Brazil or Argentina with a coach from another country. In fact, most of the best teams have a coach from their own country."

   Blatter also questioned whether "the global success" story of the Premier League had been "for the good of the game."

   The former AC Milan and Real Madrid manager received a rather warmer welcome from England midfielder David Beckham, who played under him in Spain.

 "The fear factor with a manager is important," Beckham said. "We had it at Manchester United with Sir Alex Ferguson, and he had so much success and is still having it.

 "Capello has been passionate about every team he has managed. His knowledge of football is one of the best - and he has the experience."

   Beckham, now at LA Galaxy, has been training with Arsenal during the US off season in a bid to be fit to win his 100th cap in Capello's first game in charge, a friendly against Switzerland at Wembley next month.