Obama also has encountered resistance from Democrats who are reluctant to support his economic stimulus package because they object to his hard line against earmarks and his proposed tax breaks for businesses.

CNN: Commentary: Guess who's not giving Obama full support?

Meanwhile, celebrity publicist Max Clifford told the BBC the episode was potentially damaging for Terry's commercial endorsements, but he believed football supporters would not object to his private conduct as long as he was playing well.

BBC: FA silent on John Terry's future as England captain