The Football Association is looking into other sporting precedents as they decide whether to charge Roy Keane with bringing the game into disrepute.
The FA are expected to announce next week that Keane will be charged as a result of his apparent autobiography admission that he deliberately targeted Manchester City's Alf Inge Haaland for a revenge foul.
The Manchester United captain could be banned for up to four matches if he is found guilty of the charge.
However, the FA are conscious Vinnie Jones received a suspended six-month ban and a £20,000 fine after his controversial video in 1992.
They are also aware of Lions winger Austin Healey having blamed ghost-writer Eddie Butler for outspoken comments in which he labelled Australia lock Justin Harrison as an "ape" before a Test match.
Keane's ghost-writer, Eamon Dunphy, has similarly claimed he paraphrased certain sections, but the fact the midfielder cleared the book before publication could count against him if he is charged.
Keane has been asked for his observations following the serialisation of his autobiography, in which his comments about the tackle on Haaland have appeared.
FA chief executive Adam Crozier said: "I've spent time reading the book and we have spoken to Manchester United and Manchester City over the past few days.
"Some time ago, we also wrote to Roy Keane asking for his observations. As is fair and normal, he was given 14 days to respond and that expires at the start of next week".