John Terry will not be present for his court hearing over charges of racial abuse later today.
The Chelsea and England captain has instructed his legal team to deny the charge on his behalf at Westminster Magistrates' Court as a trial date is fixed.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman confirmed that Terry is not obliged to attend the hearing.
Terry is accused of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand during a game in October.
The 31-year-old has denied the claims and has vowed to clear his name.
