Chelsea and England captain John Terry will not face trial over alleged racial abuse of QPR defender Anton Ferdinand until July 9, after Euro 2012.
The 31-year-old faces trial after the Crown Prosecution Service deemed in December there was enough evidence to prosecute Terry for a 'racially aggravated public order offence' over comments made during Chelsea's 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road in October.
Terry did not attend Wednesday's hearing into the matter, which took place at West London Magistrates' Court, instead allowing his barrister George Carter-Stephenson QC to enter his not-guilty plea.
Speaking after the hearing, Terry's lawyer said: "Mr Terry has consistently and resolutely maintained remarks were made in belief that he was being accused of racist abuse."
"Mr Terry denies making any racist statement and will establish in court that he is not guilty of any such offence."
"Mr Terry has never racially abused another player in his entire career."
The row was sparked after video footage appeared online allegedly showing the centre-back using racially-motivated language towards Ferdinand, but Terry has since said he will fight 'tooth and nail' to prove his innocence.
If found guilty he could be fined 2500 pounds but the impact to his reputation would be far worse.
Terry was only reinstated as captain of the national team in March last year after revelations of an affair with former team-mate Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend.
But the charge will no longer affect England's plans for Euro 2012, with the final of the tournament taking place on July 1 - more than a week before Terry will stand trial.
Terry went up against Ferdinand again last Saturday but to avoid controversy the usual pre-match handshakes between the two sides were scrapped.