Geordie double act Ant and Dec may have become household names during their successful presenting spell on the Pop Idol series, but the Elland Road security staff still barred them from an England training session before the Italy game this week.
Keen Newcastle fans, Ant and Dec had arrived at the Leeds ground in anticipation of taking part in a friendly kickabout with Sven Goran Eriksson's squad in front of the gathered media during an open session.
The presenters were looking for plenty of publicity for their involvement in the Sony Music-produced official England World Cup song On the Ball, which has yet to be unveiled, as well as recording footage with David Beckham and Co for use in the music video.
But Ant and Dec, who are used to their access-all-areas passes in the music world, never got past the front door at Elland Road.
Much to their frustration, the FA had no knowledge of their expected involvement in the training session so made no arrangements for them, while Sony Music, which is responsible for the World Cup record, was equally in the dark.
Apparently, Ant and Dec had turned up on their own accord following a mix-up in communications with a video company which is also working on the England song.
England sponsor Nationwide, which has just signed on for another four years as part of the FA's new five-pillar partnership, is pleased that, on the vexed issue of personal appearances, elite England personnel are now guaranteed to turn out for the building society on a certain number of occasions.
The names of the famous five who fall into this category are even written into the contract. They are coach Sven Goran Eriksson, star players David Beckham and Michael Owen and, more surprisingly, FA chief executive Adam Crozier and England Under 21 boss David Platt.
Meanwhile McDonald's, Carlsberg and Coca-Cola are the three favourites to join Nationwide and Umbro as the FA's five partners, while British Airways is in final discussions about flying the England team to the World Cup as one of the supply sponsors.
You would expect, with the World Cup approaching, to find the FA's security staff at their most alert. However, this does not seem to be the case.
The Sky cameras covering the England Under-21 match against Italy at Bradford who spotted Ian Wright in the crowd also lingered on a distinguished figure sitting in front of him who was fast asleep.
The gentleman caught having an inopportune nap was none other than Sir Brian Hayes, former Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police and now in charge of the FA's security. No wonder Hayes and his aides are seen as the FA's answer to the Keystone Kops.
Executives of sportswear company Umbro, still seething over David Beckham wearing an adidas hat at an England Press conference before the Italy match, has told the FA to instruct the players that there is no need to take any training gear to the World Cup as they will provide for their every need - including woolly hats.
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