SOCCER: Manchester United captain Roy Keane goes before the English FA today to fight two disrepute charges relating to his controversial autobiography.

The 31-year-old Corkman, who is currently recovering from hip surgery, could face a lengthy ban and heavy fine over comments he made in his book about an incident with Manchester City's Alf Inge Haaland in a game in April 2000.

The FA have charged Keane on two counts. The first relates to the claim that he said he deliberately set out to injure Haaland as an act of revenge. The second addresses the question of Keane publishing an account of the incident for financial reward.

Keane denies both charges and will argue his case before an FA disciplinary panel at Bolton's Reebok Stadium today.

Keane will be accompanied at the hearing by club director and solicitor Maurice Watkins and his own representatives.

The former Republic of Ireland captain, who has not played since being sent off against Sunderland on August 31st, has targeted the Premiership game against Fulham on October 19th for his comeback following surgery.

However, if the FA decide to punish him he could face a lengthy ban - up to eight matches - plus a hefty fine.

Because Keane has requested a personal hearing, he will not be able to appeal against any punishment, which would come into effect immediately.

It is believed the case will be concluded today but with prominent QCs acting for both sides, the possibility exists that it may over-run.

Meanwhile, leading black footballers are to hold a meeting to consider a possible boycott on playing matches in Europe unless more action is taken to clamp down on racism in stadiums across the continent.

Following the weekend's events in Bratislava, when England's Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole were the victims of severe racist abuse, a number of leading black footballers have contacted Kick it Out - Britain's leading anti-racism football organisation - to express their anger at what they say is inaction by the game's governing authority to stamp out such behaviour. Heskey and Cole will be receiving apologies from the Slovakian FA in the wake of the racial abuse which they endured.

The Slovakian ambassador to London and the general secretary of the Slovakian FA met English FA director of international affairs David Davies yesterday in the wake of the problems in Bratislava.

"They handed over an apology letter for the racial chanting, something which they roundly condemn," revealed FA head of communications Paul Newman.

"They will be writing personally to Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole to repeat that apology, and those letters will be delivered to the players within the next 24 hours."

Leicester City were last night given 24 hours' breathing space to stave off administration after a meeting with their main creditors.

And the club are increasingly confident that their players are ready to accept a pay-cut to secure the short-term future of the club.

Midfielder Kieron Dyer has withdrawn from the England squad after suffering a recurrence of a back problem.