Dele Alli could face World Cup ban over middle-finger gesture

Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings over Dele Alli’s middle-finger gesture during Monday’s win against Slovakia - and the midfielder is in danger of receiving a ban.

Some pundits believe Alli was aiming the gesture - caught on camera during the World Cup qualifying victory at Wembley - at match referee Clement Turpin. The 21-year-old insisted on Twitter that the gesture “was a joke between me and my good friend Kyle Walker”.

When asked about the incident, England manager Gareth Southgate played down the drama, saying Alli and Walker were “messing about” and that they have a “strange way of communicating”.

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The Daily Telegraph reports that if the sport’s world governing body does charge Alli, he could be punished under Article 57 of the Fifa disciplinary code.

The code reads: “Anyone who insults someone in any way, especially by using offensive gestures or language, or who violates the principles of fair play or whose behaviour is unsporting in any other way may be subject to sanctions in accordance with art. 10 ff.”

Fifa told the Telegraph that if the disciplinary committee finds that Alli did breach Article 57, the Tottenham player could receive a fine or a ban. A three-match suspension would see Alli miss England’s last two qualifying matches and, should they progress, the opening match of the World Cup finals.

Earlier this week, The Guardian reported that the Football Association can prove Alli’s one-finger salute was not directed towards the referee.

The FA has until Wednesday to respond to Fifa’s opening of disciplinary proceedings against Alli.