Media remarks get Fergie in UEFA trouble

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

UEFA has taken the action over comments that appeared in newspapers over the weekend in which the Scot appeared to question the integrity of the Champions League quarter-final draw - and the pairing of Real Madrid and Manchester United.

A statement on UEFA's website said: "With his remarks Sir Alex, whose team face Real Madrid CF in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals this evening in Spain, cast doubt upon the integrity of the draw for the quarter-finals.

"According to UEFA disciplinary regulations, member associations, as well as their players, officials and members, should conduct themselves according to the principle of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship."

"A breach of these principles is incurred by anyone whose conduct brings the sport of football, and UEFA in particular, into disrepute (article 5 of the disciplinary regulations). The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on May 1."