GARRY Flitcroft faced a date with destiny at FA headquarters in London today, waiting anxiously to see if his season is already over.

Blackburn Rovers' £3 million signing from Manchester City was due to appear in front of a Football Association disciplinary commission this afternoon, after topping 45 points for the season.

And there was a distinct possibility that the midfielder, who had accumulated 42 disciplinary points in the course of City's scrap against relegation, before coming to Ewood, could pick up an extra one-match ban.

As he currently has one game still to serve of his three-match suspension, for being sent off less than three minutes into his Rovers debut against Everton, another ban would rule Flitcroft out of the final game of the season at Chelsea.

All players who reach 45 points are automatically ordered to make a personal appearance before the FA.

Last season, Tim Sherwood was fined but didn't have to serve an extra suspension for topping what was then the cut-off mark of 41points.

But recent cases suggest that a one-game ban and a fine is more the norm this time.

Flitcroft was being supported in his plea for leniency at Lancaster Gate by Rovers boss Ray Harford and Brendon Batson of the Professional Footballers' Association.

If the worst happens, the midfielder will have to write off his experiences this season and prepare to start afresh in August.

I understand that, in view of the avalanche of bookings and dismissals that have followed the orders given to referees, the authorities are rethinking the domestic disciplinary structure.

A new system may be in place for next season.

Meanwhile, UEFA's executive committee were meeting in Geneva today, with English football waiting to hear if there was any chance of the extra European place being returned for next season.

England's fourth UEFA Cup spot was taken away after last summer's Intertoto Cup shambles.

If it was given back, then the club finishing sixth in the Premiership would almost certainly qualify but there has not been a lot of optimism.

UEFA, however, were also looking at the reshaping of the Champions' League and the Cup Winners Cup.

The idea of expanding the Champions' League and accommodating two clubs from some countries has not been welcomed in many quarters.

But if that was to happen for next season, sixth in the Premiership could still be high enough for the UEFA Cup.

Rovers were awaiting developments with interest.

Chris Sutton is hoping to start light training next week, after a scan on his injured ankle.

Obviously, with only two first team games left, Sutton's chances of a Premiership return are slim this season. But, contrary to one report today, he could yet get in some action with the reserves.

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