England's Dele Alli could face a suspension after FIFA on Friday confirmed it had opened disciplinary proceedings over the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder's obscene gesture during a World Cup qualifier. Alli stuck his middle finger up during the national side's match against Slovakia on Monday but said after the game the hand signal had been directed at teammate Kyle Walker as a joke.
Following initial investigations, which are expected to have included reviewing the referee's official match report, the world governing body said Alli would have a case to answer. "We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings have been opened following this incident. Please understand we cannot comment further at this stage," a FIFA spokesman said.
The Football Association has been given until September 13 to respond, and it is understood the national body has more television coverage of the incident, yet to be broadcast, which could be presented to back up Alli's stance.