London — John Terry has been removed as England captain after his trial for racist abuse was delayed until after the European Championship, the Football Association said Friday.

The F.A. announced the Chelsea defender will still be available for team selection.

Terry denies making racist comments to Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a Premier League match in October.

The F.A. said "following the decision to adjourn the court case against John Terry to July, The Football Association confirm he will not captain the England team until the allegations against him are resolved."

But the F.A. said coach Fabio Capello "is free to select him for the (Netherlands) fixture on Feb. 29 and the European Championship."