Soccer:Uefa will decide later today whether to grant Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger a stay of execution over his two-match Champions League ban, which would allow him to fulfil his duties as normal in tomorrow night's crucial play-off against Udinese.

European football’s governing body issued the two-match ban against Wenger yesterday after he was found guilty of breaching the terms of an earlier ban during the first leg of their tie against Udinese last week.

Arsenal immediately indicated their intention to appeal, but for the purposes of speed have decided to initially seek a delay to the ban before contesting it fully.

A statement from Uefa this morning read: “Please note that Arsenal has lodged an appeal against the Control and Disciplinary Body decision taken yesterday and has requested a stay of execution.

“The Appeals Body chairman will deal with the stay of execution today and we shall be in a position to let you know the decision of the Appeals Body Chairman by the end of play today.”

The Frenchman was yesterday found guilty of failing to abide by Uefa rules surrounding his original ban imposed after last season’s last 16 defeat to Barcelona after they decided he had passed messages to the dug-out during the match at the Emirates Stadium last week.

Wenger claimed Uefa had told him he was permitted to relay instructions to assistant manager Pat Rice through first-team coach Boro Primorac, who was in telephone contact with the Arsenal bench.

Uefa have also fined Arsenal €10,000 for the improper conduct of their officials during the match.

The match in Udine tomorrow night will be vital in shaping Arsenal’s season, while the financial rewards of winning the tie and reaching the Champions League group stage are obvious.