India manager Bob Houghton is facing the sack over allegations he made racists remarks to one of the country's top referees, reports the Daily Mail. Englishman Houghton, who took Swedish side Malmo to the final of the European Cup in 1979, has been accused of complaining about 'b****** Indian referees'.

The All India Football Federation confirmed the allegations after an investigation and has asked a lawyer to establish whether there are grounds to terminate Houghton's contract.

Kushal Das, the AIFF's general secretary, told the Daily Telegraph the comments allegedly made by Mr Houghton were 'purely a case of racial abuse' and that they could lead to a charge of 'bringing the Federation into disrepute.'

Mr Das also said the AIFF were angry at comments made by Houghton, criticising facilities in India - saying players are expected to play on surfaces 'no self-respecting top player would play on.'

A statement by the AIFF confirmed its executive committee had expressed 'unhappiness regarding the conduct and derogatory remarks made by Mr Bob Houghton.

'The executive committee has unanimously decided to seek legal opinion regarding its course of action.'

It is understood that Houghton has not yet responded to the allegations.