UEFA delay Rooney ban explanation

UEFA will wait another week before telling the Football Association their written reasons for the three-match ban that threatens to deny Wayne Rooney the chance to star at Euro 2012. The English FA had expected to hear from European football's governing body by Thursday with the explanation for the length of Rooney's suspension after his red card for kicking Miodrag Dzudovoic during the recent 2-2 draw with Montenegro. If the FA's chiefs feel UEFA don't have a strong enough case for giving Rooney a ban that could end his participation in the tournament they will appeal in a bid to get the punishment reduced. As it stands, Manchester United forward Rooney will miss all three of England's group matches and that will cost him the opportunity to play in the finals if Fabio Capello's team fail to qualify for the knock-out stages. An FA statement on Wednesday confirmed UEFA's decision to keep them waiting: "The FA has today been advised by UEFA that we may not be provided with the written reasons regarding Wayne Rooney's three match suspension for another week at a minimum. "Once the reasons are received, the FA will determine on any appeal after discussions with Fabio Capello and Wayne Rooney." However, Capello last week dropped a clear hint he will take Rooney to the finals in Poland and Ukraine regardless of any appeal because he believes England will make it out of their group, which will enable the striker to play the rest of the tournament. The Italian indicated Rooney would be part of his plans as part of an observation about the balance of younger players and older ones in his squad. "The young players are really good and ready to play with the seniors, and the experience of the seniors is really important," Capello said. "During the games we need some leaders, people that know something. "Jack Wilshere is incredible because he is so young. We also need the experience of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Scott Parker. You need this kind of player, plus Rooney, I hope."