• Premier League

City soften as Tevez is charged with refusing to warm up

Manchester City's unsettled striker Carlos Tevez has been charged with failing to warm up against Bayern Munich at a disciplinary hearing undertaken but a final decision over his punishment has been delayed by his club.

Tevez was called off the bench as City were 2-0 down against the Germans, but did not enter the field of play as manager Roberto Mancini attempted to shuffle his pack. Mancini later claimed that the Argentine had refused to play and 'would never play for the club again', although Tevez insisted that it had been a miscommunication.

As City launched an investigation into the incident, Tevez was suspended for two weeks on full pay, but faces a four-to-six week suspension and fines of £1.5 million if found guilty of misconduct - action that will be approved by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).

However, City have decided to take their time over deciding what to do with Tevez and a source told ESPNsoccernet: ''No decision will be made on Friday and there are five days in which a decision can be reached. That doesn't mean that all five days will be used, but the club will be deliberating before coming to a verdict.''

Sources have told ESPNsoccernet that they do not believe the evidence can categorically prove that Tevez refused to play, rather than merely refusing to warm up again. City insist this is not a U-turn or the club backing down.

City stopped short, though, of considering a gross misconduct charge which would have given them the option of sacking the player and cancelling his £250,000-a-week contract - an option highly unlikely as it would then result in more legal action for compensation.

With more news expected later on Friday, Tevez is expected to immediately appeal against any action and will seek a hearing with the Premier League that could linger on until the New Year, when City would be in a position to sell him in January.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.