Rio Ferdinand could take the Football Association to the high court in an attempt to have his eight-month ban for failing to take a drugs test overturned.
The England central defender, who plans to lodge an appeal against the punishment in the New Year, will fight the case as an individual to avoid Manchester United receiving penalties from FIFA.
Yesterday Sepp Blatter, the president of world football's governing body, warned that any challenge by the club to the ruling by an FA disciplinary panel could see them expelled from the Champions League.
Under FIFA rules, the decisions of national associations cannot be challenged by clubs in the courts. Article 63 of FIFA's statutes states: "Recourse to ordinary courts of law is not permitted. Clubs and members . . . should be required to submit any disagreement to the jurisdiction of the national association."
In the past, FIFA have dealt harshly with clubs who have attempted to overturn their rulings. The Paraguayan club Olimpia were banned from international competition in 2001 after challenging a FIFA ruling on a player transfer in the courts.
Old Trafford sources said yesterday there was no question of the club seeking legal redress on Ferdinand's part: "This has always been Rio's case. The individual was charged, not the club." However, Ferdinand continues to have the full support of United. He was represented at last week's two-day hearing by Maurice Watkins, a director at Old Trafford and a partner at the Manchester law firm James Chapman and co. It is understood the firm will continue to represent Ferdinand.
In the first instance Ferdinand will appeal to the FA. This week he will receive a written explanation of the decision and will then have 14 working days in which to lodge his appeal.