The Sunday Times:
Suspended for eight months by an FA disciplinary commission last December, the England and Manchester United defender is expected to produce new evidence at Thursday’s hearing in an effort to reduce his punishment.
But, according to sources close to the case, there is also the possibility that the three-man panel, chaired by barrister Ian Mill QC, will decide to take a tough line and increase Ferdinand’s ban
Under Fifa regulations, the independent panel — made up of Mill, FA chairman Geoff Thompson and Roger Burden, another senior FA councillor — has the power to ban Ferdinand for 12 months. It is understood that Mark Gay, the sports lawyer presenting the FA’s case, will draw the tribunal’s attention to the rule during the hearing, which could last two days.
The FA says the appeal is entirely independent of the governing body and that there are no plans to push for an increase in Ferdinand’s ban. At the same time, the FA acknowledges the risk run by United and Ferdinand.