Leboeuf faces FA charge

Frank Leboeuf was yesterday charged with misconduct by the English Football Association over his actions when he was sent off against Leeds.

The French international defender was dismissed during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat against Leeds, in the Premiership on December 19th.

Leboeuf was sent off for a second yellow card but then appeared to stamp on Harry Kewell as the Leeds star lay on the ground.

An FA spokesman confirmed that referee Jeff Winter had referred to the stamping incident in his report and Leboeuf could face a lengthy ban if he is found guilty of misconduct.

The charge comes a matter of hours after Gianluca Vialli claimed Leboeuf, who has chalked up eight yellow cards and two reds this season, had become a marked man.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's hunt for a new manager should be over by next week.

The Irish Football Association have called a meeting of their international committee at which they are expected to appoint Lawrie McMenemy's successor.

President Jim Boyce and general secretary David Bowen will run through the list of candidates and the committee members will then decide on who they want.

Boyce said: "I can confirm that a meeting of the international committee has been called for next week."

It is understood that Leicester boss Martin O'Neill, who has hinted he might do the job part-time, has still to rule himself out of the running.

The IFA, though, are pressing ahead and Macclesfield manager Sammy McIlroy is seen by many people as the favourite.

Alex Ferguson will decide today if Paul Scholes is fit enough to travel to Brazil for the World Club Championship.

The Manchester United squad reassemble today following a two-day break and top of Ferguson's list of priorities will be to assess Scholes' hernia problem.

Scholes was not even fit enough to figure on the bench for Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Sunderland and Ferguson admits he does not know if he will recover in time to jet out with the United party on Sunday.

United are also monitoring Denis Irwin's fitness after he picked up a groin injury at Sunderland. Real Madrid, also have injury problems going to Brazil.

The Spanish giants, who have been kept apart from Manchester United in the group stage, will be without goalkeeper Bodo Illgner and defender Julio Cesar.

Star striker Raul is also doubtful and he has missed training this week because of bruising around his tibia.