Ashley Cole reportedly asked wife Cheryl to put off their separation plans until after the World Cup.
The Sun claims that the footballer made the request at the weekend, causing his pop star partner, 26, to explode with rage.
Cole made the suggestion to put off any dealings of their split until July - when he would be back from the tournament in South Africa. He apparently got a resounding "no" from the 'X Factor' judge.
A source said: "Cheryl hit the roof. She flew off the handle and he knew instantly he'd said the wrong thing once again."
The injured Chelsea defender, 29, had suggested the arrangement before - but via text.
Cole, who jetted back on Friday after three weeks at an injury clinic in France, was ordered to pack his bags and leave by the furious Girls Aloud singer.
He is staying at a London address and was seen yesterday driving his Bentley.
