While the Rio Ferdinand saga rumbles on, England's preparations for Saturday's clash with Turkey could receive another blow today as Sol Campbell goes before the English FA's disciplinary committee.
Arsenal star Campbell is believed to be ready to take "on the chin" whatever punishment the FA hand out to him over his clash with Manchester United's Eric Djemba-Djemba in the Community Shield in August.
But a three-match suspension, which many expect to be the punishment for Campbell's retaliatory back-heel at the Cameroon international, could still leave Arsenal and their manager Arsene Wenger fuming.
And the matter has now become one of national importance, coming as it does a few days before Campbell is due to play for England in the crucial Euro 2004 qualifier in Istanbul.
Arsenal have not publicly raised objections to the timing of the hearing, even though when the FA first suggested the date the Gunners were told it would only be used if Campbell was injured or not selected to travel to Turkey.
But there were suggestions, subsequently denied, that the centre-back would consider his future with England if he felt he was being victimised by the FA.
To add further mystery to the affair the FA have refused to officially confirm that today's hearing will take place at their headquarters in London's Soho Square, although it is clear it will definitely go ahead in the afternoon as Campbell is due to train with England this morning.
An FA official promised: "The verdict will be made known as soon as possible after the player and his club know it."