Thaindian News

London, Jan. 17 (ANI): After the Football Association (FA) told England stars that their WAGs and relatives would be their responsibility in unruly South Africa, the players are set to spend a staggering one-million-pound to ensure the protection of their loved ones.

Fabio Capello’s men can either fork out more than 43,000 pounds each on ex-military guards for their loved ones during the tournament or spend up to four weeks abroad on their own.

News of the World quoted a source as saying: “South Africa is heaving with ruthless and well-drilled criminals who are rubbing their hands at the prospect of having so many well-known multi-millionaires on their turf.

“The players themselves will be safe enough at the team hotel and training complex but their friends and family face a security risk. Kidnap for ransom, robbery and carjacking are the three key threats to players’ families,” he added.

Despite providing security for the players themselves, the FA is taking no responsibility for their partners and kids, who will be staying at least 50 miles from the team base near Rustenburg.

Each family unit will require at least two armed bodyguards - many former Special Forces soldiers - to cover them day and night, on top of security patrols.

John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Gareth Barry are now ready to put costly close protection teams on their loved ones.

“If the players want their WAGS and families with them in South Africa, then they shall have to pay their way. The cost of protection is very high. But any price would be small to ensure the safety of the families of such high-value targets,” the source said.

“Lots of footballers have been robbed and burgled at home. But the worst they are likely to face here is a machete, because criminals want to avoid more serious charges if they are caught with guns. In South Africa there will be no such qualms,” he added. (ANI)