Rio Ferdinand seems certain to escape any formal sanction over his part in last season's 'Battle of Stamford Bridge'.
Reports have emerged of a possible four-match ban for the Manchester United
defender - which could rule him out of England's friendly with the Czech
Republic on August 20 and scupper his chances of being appointed as Fabio
Capello's new captain.
Given Ferdinand has already suffered the misery of serving an eight-month ban
for a missed drugs test in 2004, it would be the worst kind of news possible for
the 29-year-old Londoner and somewhat bizarre given it was United's complaints
about the treatment of their players that led to the inquiry in the first
place.
Ferdinand apologised after accidentally kicking a female steward in frustration
following his side's defeat.
However, sources close to the investigation into events that took place at
Chelsea immediately after the key showdown, which finished in acrimony as the
home side won thanks to a hotly disputed late penalty, have been left bemused by
the speculation surrounding Ferdinand.
For, while the official report is still being compiled, there has been no
suggestion Ferdinand will face any penalty, let alone miss the opening four
matches of the season.
And, although such a move would be bad news for United, who are already without
Cristiano Ronaldo for an extended period following the winger's recent ankle
operation, even in the unlikely event of Ferdinand being punished, it would not
affect his availability for England.
It has been pointed out that Alan Smith, Lee Bowyer, Jonathan Woodgate and
Ferdinand's major rival for the captaincy, John Terry, have been deliberately
overlooked for selection by England in recent times.
However, in those instances, it was a policy decision taken by the FA until
police or court action against the individuals concerned had been concluded.
Similarly, there is no link with Ferdinand's own lengthy ban because it covered
all football, both for club and country.
It means that whatever the outcome of the FA's investigation Ferdinand will be
available for the Czech Republic game, before which Capello intends to name his
new skipper, having tried out four men for the post.
The FA meanwhile are continuing their own investigations into the Stamford
Bridge clash, although as yet, no timescale for a definitive decision has been
reached.
