BBC buys Sven's life story

The recently published Sven-Goran Eriksson On Football was written before he took the England job and deals with tactics and philosophies, rather than dressing-room secrets. When first asked about the book, an FA press officer said today: "We have never discussed that book with Sven-Goran Eriksson." But an hour later, the same spokesman said: "Sorry, we did know after all. It's all pretty old stuff as we understand it. It's a biography dealing with Mr Eriksson's early life and career in Italy prior to taking the England job.

"If, however, it is decided to include any later material relating to his time as England coach then, clearly, a member of the FA would want to discuss it with Mr Eriksson and the publisher."

BBC Books publicity head Ruth Garland expressed bewilderment at the FA's insistence that the book would be "old stuff ". She said: "It is going to be an up-to-date biography. It is still very much in the preparation stages."

Eriksson's business agent, Athole Still, said: "Sven knows the author very well from his days with Lazio in Rome. She is an old and trusted friend and not the sort who would write anything lurid or sensational."

London literary agent Dorie Simmonds failed to respond to numerous requests for information about her client Ms Casti or the book.

The Evening Standard has learned the FA has publication plans involving Eriksson which would have guaranteed closer control over content. His number two, Tord Grip, and FA chief executive Adam Crozier have spoken to sports journalist Joe Lovejoy on Eriksson's appointment, life and times in the England job. Further World Cup interviews are understood to be planned for a book to be published by HarperCollins.