Warsaw talks for new four-nation tournament

SCOTTISH officials were locked in talks with the two Irish FAs and Wales last night in an attempt to cement dates for the new four-nation tournament due to take place next year.

On the eve of today's qualifying draw for the 2012 European Championship, the four federations used the occasion to sit round the table at a central Warsaw hotel and thrash out possible fixtures for what is effectively a new version of the old British Home Championship, scrapped in 1984.

Conspicuous by their absence at the meeting were England who have declined to take part in the so-called Four Associations Cup which is earmarked for Dublin in February and May, 2011, on a league basis. "It's the home internationals without England," said SFA chief executive Gordon Smith. "The meeting was basically to put all the logistics in place and make sure everyone is comfortable. And, of course, to try and make headway with a broadcasting deal."

Smith is confident the tournament will capture the imagination – even without England – as well as yielding crucial revenue. "Obviously we are disappointed England declined to take part to a certain degree but we got on with it and the Republic will be a more than adequate replacement."

As for today's draw, with Northern Ireland and the Republic both in the same third seeding pot as Scotland the prospect of meeting England looms large for one of the three.

With the John Terry scandal now in the background – believe that and you believe anything -- Fabio Capello flew in late yesterday afternoon to be confronted by television cameras at his hotel, understood to be the same one the Scots are using.

He kept his counsel though foreign journalists, especially those from Italy, are aghast at what they feel was harsh treatment meted out by one of their own to the now ex-England captain. If prime minister Silvio Berlusconi could get away with an string of indiscretions, they argue, how come the axe fell on Terry for allegedly having an affair that had nothing to do with carrying out his job? Different country, different culture.

Capello was not prepared to comment further on the Terry incident – not, at least, until after today's 2012 pairings are known. For his part, Smith would love to play England. "It wouldn't be that much of a blow because it would be an opponent we know. It would be a terrific draw."

Buried in the rules of today's procedure is a mandate from UEFA that Russia, in pot one, and Georgia, in pot five, must be kept apart. UEFA, like FIFA, are supposed not to be swayed by the idea of politically opposed nations being drawn together. But they have made an exception this time, no doubt fearing repercussions both on and off the field.