Deadline for Ferdinand to contest charge

In the aftermath of Terry being found not guilty of abusing Ferdinand's brother Anton at Loftus Road last October, the Manchester United defender became involved in a conversation on Twitter.

It appeared Ferdinand endorsed a claim that Ashley Cole was a "choc ice", the term is commonly understood to mean 'black on the outside, white on the inside', and was in reference to Cole's testimony in court, in which he said he never heard Terry make a racist remark to Anton Ferdinand during the match in question.

A case that has been rumbling on for nine months now was extended last week when Terry was charged with improper conduct by the FA for the comments he made to Ferdinand, a charge he has vowed to contest.

Now, Rio must clear his name, or risk a hefty fine or potential suspension ahead of the new English Premier League campaign.

"The FA has today charged Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand with improper conduct in relation to comments posted on Twitter," said an FA statement.

"The allegation is that the player acted in a way which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute by making comments which included a reference to ethnic origin and/or colour and/or race.

"Ferdinand has until 4pm on 2 August 2012 to respond to the charge."