The FA are aware of the allegations of spitting by Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas which overshadowed last night's FA Cup tie with Hull City, but await the referee's report and any possible formal complaint from the Tigers' coaching staff.
Hull boss Phil Brown said he witnessed Fabregas - who categorically denies the allegations - spitting at assistant manager Brian Horton in the tunnel after his side were controversially beaten 2-1 in their quarter-final tie with a late goal from William Gallas.
Horton was thought to be considering making an official complaint to the FA, who are also waiting to see whether referee Mike Riley has mentioned anything in his report.
Even though Fabregas, who is on the verge of a comeback from three months out with a knee injury, was not in the Arsenal playing squad, the FA still maintain disciplinary jurisdiction.
However, because the alleged incident was not an on-field matter, it would not fall under the 'fast-track' system and so any investigation would seek submissions from all parties involved, as well as any potential television evidence.
Fabregas released a statement late last night denying the allegations. 'I categorically deny that I spat at anybody after the match,' he said.
'I have never done this in my whole career on the pitch, so why would I do it when I am not even playing? I can understand the frustration of losing a game to a dubious goal, that has happened to me many times in my career as well. But this is not the fault of me or any of the Arsenal players.'
