The Football Association has widened its 'fast-track' disciplinary process to cover more misconduct cases. The changes mean that all straightforward matchday cases, which now include post-match comments to the media, can be dealt with quicker.

The FA now plans to raise charges inside three days, giving those concerned longer to respond.

Paper cases will then be held within three days and those involving personal hearings being done within 10.

The new regulations have been drawn up after a period of detailed consultation with representatives from, amongst others, the Premier League, Football League, PFA and the League Managers' Association.

Darren Bailey, director of football governance and regulation, said: "The new procedures are designed to provide a faster more streamlined, transparent and consistent framework for a broader range of football disciplinary offences.

"From this season the aim is to have all standard football misconduct cases covered by the scheme dealt with in days and not weeks.

"We believe that the new standard procedures, on which there has been close consultation with game stakeholders, will further enhance the disciplinary process which in turn will benefit the game and all participants."