Premiership pair's plans in doubt

Manchester United and Arsenal's Champions League plans may be thrown into chaos after UEFA admitted their Portuguese opponents could be kicked out of the competition.

The Barclays Premiership pair were drawn against Benfica and Porto, respectively, in the group stages but may face different opposition if the Portuguese football association are punished for a breach of FIFA rules.

Football's world governing body are deciding whether to impose sanctions on Portugal's club and national teams after top-flight side Gil Vicente appealed to a civil court over their relegation, which was imposed for fielding an ineligible player.

Direct judicial or political interference in the running of football is forbidden under FIFA statute and punishments include expelling national teams and clubs from all football.

UEFA director of communications William Gaillard told the News of the World: "The ultimate sanction is that the Portuguese national team and all Portuguese clubs are banned from all competitions by FIFA.

"Clearly, that would impact on UEFA's competitions, including the Champions League."

FIFA will announce their decision to the Portuguese FA on September 11, two days before United and Arsenal's Champions League campaigns get under way.

They are currently scheduled to play Benfica and Porto on September 26.