LMA seeks end to coach's BBC row

The League Managers Association is understood to have stepped in to help persuade Sir Alex Ferguson to end his refusal to speak to the BBC, a move which under new league rules could leave him facing escalating fines.

As The Independent revealed in February, the Premier League is ready to penalise managers who refuse to speak to rights-holding broadcasters, enforcing the regulation with financial penalties if need be.

A first offence would be followed by a warning, with further breaches incurring a fine of increasing magnitude. The moment of truth will arrive at 10pm on 24 August, when the BBC has asked Ferguson for the first post-match interview he is now contractually obliged to give them.

In an attempt to smooth over what looks like an impasse, the LMA chief executive, Richard Bevan, is understood to be attempting to mediate.

Ferguson has refused to speak to the BBC since a documentary in 2004 alleged that his son Jason took advantage of his father's influence while working as an agent. Ferguson Jnr was never found guilty of any wrongdoing.