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FA still awaits Uefa report on Rooney as it ponders Euro appeal

 

Sam Wallace
Monday 31 October 2011 14:55 GMT
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The Football Association's month from hell on the disciplinary front took another twist yesterday when it learnt that Uefa will not furnish it with the full judgment concerning Wayne Rooney's three-match Euro 2012 suspension for another week.

With the governing body also dealing with John Terry's alleged racism complaint, the FA now finds itself in a position where it will have to respond rapidly to the full scope of Uefa's decision when it arrives next week. The rules are such that once it receives what Uefa describes as the "written reasons" for the three-match ban, the FA has just three days in which to decide to appeal.

The FA had originally expected to be sent the full judgment within two days of the original decision by Uefa, which was announced on 13 October. There has been no explanation as to why that date has been pushed further back. However, it is likely that Uefa's case against FC Sion, who are attempting to be reinstated to the Europa League, and is due in the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 24 November, is taking up a great deal of Uefa's time.

There is no guarantee that the FA will appeal against the three-match ban, which rules Rooney out of all England's group matches at next summer's tournament. It is aware Uefa has the power to increase the punishment. In its original judgment Uefa classified Rooney's kick-out at the Montenegro player Miodrag Dzudovic as "assault".

A statement from the FA yesterday said: "The FA has been advised by Uefa that we may not be provided with the written reasons regarding Wayne Rooney's three-match suspension for another week at a minimum. Once the reasons are received, the FA will determine on any appeal after discussions with Fabio Capello and Wayne Rooney."

Whatever happens with Rooney, the FA is also pushing ahead with plans for England to be based in the Polish city of Krakow at Euro 2012. FA chiefs are keen for the players to take more of an active part in the life and culture of the country – in contrast to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa when the players spent most of the time in their hotel.

A visit to Auschwitz will be organised for the players, with a daily programme for the squad to mix with local people in events such as coaching sessions for youngsters.

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