England boss Fabio Capello believes that the vast amounts of money that players earn is the cause of the off-field problems.
Revelations about John Terry's private life have led to him being stripped of the England captaincy, while the fall-out of his alleged affair with former Chelsea team-mate Wayne Bridge's ex-girlfriend has also seen the left-back rule himself out of this summer's World Cup.
Capello is concerned that off-field distractions are threatening his bid to lead England to glory in South Africa and has demanded his players take no chances.
"They are young boys, who are rich boys. This is the problem," he said.
"It is not only here. In Italy, in Germany, in Spain, in every country where football is so important it is the same problem.
"The private life is a big problem for some players, but also brings big problems for the clubs and for me."
The former Juventus and Real Madrid boss added: "Players have to be an example to the children, for all the fans.
"For that reason, they have to stay careful at all times and sacrifice something in their lives.
"It will be really important in this last period to be careful in their own lives. I ask them to take no chances."