Alli could miss start of World Cup
England star Dele Alli could miss the start of the 2018 World Cup in Russia after FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings over the middle-finger gesture from the midfielder.
The Spurs midfielder raised his middle finger during a match match against Slovakia at Wembley last week, but Alli insisted that the gesture was aimed towards team-mate Kyle Walker.
FIFA are investigating the situation and could decide that the gesture consists of 'offensive behaviour'. Anything more than a two-match ban would mean Alli will miss the start of the tournament in the summer.
After FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings, England will fight to ensure that Alli does not miss the start of the tournament, and the 21-year-old maintains that the gesture was not aimed at French referee Clement Turpin.
Even if the gesture was aimed at Kyle Walker, it could still be seen as 'offensive behaviour' and FIFA have the power to impose an extended ban.
The FA has until Wednesday to provide its official response and is already working on Alli's case, believing that TV evidence will prove that the gesture was not aimed at referee Turpin.
Article 57 of FIFA's disciplinary code, about 'offensive behaviour and fair play' specifies nothing about an intended target, but any punishment is likely to be more severe if it is believes that the officials were the target of the gesture.
FIFA aim to confirm their decision before the October international break. The FA would be able to appeal but may decide to accept anything less than a three-match ban.