LONDON, Dec 31: Chelsea’s French World Cup winning defender Frank Leboeuf could face a lengthy ban after it was announced on Thursday that he had been charged with misconduct by the. Football Association over his actions when he was sent off against Leeds, reports AFP.

The 31-year-old, whose coach Gianluca Vialli has claimed that the Frenchman is being picked on by referees, was dismissed during Chelsea's 2-0 defeat against Leeds, in the Premiership on December 19.

Leboeuf, who has been booked eight times and sent-off twice this season, was sent off for a second yellow card but then appeared to stamp on Australian star Harry Kewell, whom he had fouled three times in as many minutes, as he lay on the ground.

An FA spokesman confirmed that referee Jeff Winter had referred to the stamping incident in his report.

Leboeuf, who never lets a day go by without telling somebody that he is a World Cup winner despite the fact he wouldn't have played in the 3-0 defeat of Brazil if Laprent Blanc hadn't been sent off In the semi-final, also refused to leave the pitch and then argued with Leeds' former Chelsea defender Michael Duberry on the sidelines.