England footballer, pop star in marriage split

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LONDON, Feb 23, 2010 (AFP) - Chelsea and England footballer Ashley Cole and his pop star wife Cheryl have split, her publicist said Tuesday, following allegations of his infidelity.

One of Britain's best-known celebrity couples, the Coles wed in 2006 but their relationship has been the subject of frenzied media interest in recent days.

"Cheryl Cole is separating from her husband Ashley Cole," her spokesman Sundraj Sreenivasan said. "Cheryl asks the media to respect her privacy during this difficult time. We have no further comment to make."

The former Cheryl Tweedy, 26, first found fame as a member of girl band Girls Aloud.

She went on to become a solo recording artist -- one hit was titled "Fight For This Love" -- and to become a popular judge on "The X-Factor," a television talent show launched in Britain by Simon Cowell.

Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole, 29, had ankle surgery earlier this month but his club manager Carlo Ancelotti expects him to be fit to play in the World Cup which starts in South Africa in June.