Tevez subsequently appealed against the punishment but that was thrown on January 7 after a hearing involving two City directors, Marty Edelman and Mohamed al-Mazrouei.

However, as with the disciplinary action brought against him after his non-appearance in Munich last September, Tevez had the option of taking the matter to the Premier League and it is understood that he has done just that.

Back in September, the 27-year-old succeeded in having a fine reduced from six weeks’ wages to two, a saving of approximately £800,000.

In this instance, City feel their case is watertight given the punishment related to Tevez’s presence in Argentina, where he has remained since November 7.

With it appearing increasingly likely Tevez will still be a City player after the end of today’s transfer deadline, his assimilation back into Roberto Mancini’s squad does not look like being straightforward.

The Premier League will now be forced to schedule a hearing date, although it could be the end of next month before that takes place.