Flavio Briatore today launched a legal challenge to his life ban from Formula One which, if successful, would almost certainly confirm his right to remain the owner of Queens Park Rangers.

Briatore has lodged papers with the Tribunal de Grand Instance in Paris, where the FIA is based.

Briatore, who attended his first match since Crashgate as QPR beat Preston 4-0 on Saturday, could fall foul of the Football League's 'fit and proper persons test' for club ownership if the appeal fails.

Crystal Palce have denied allegations that Cardiff striker Michael Chopra was racially abused during their 1-1 draw.

Referee Steve Tanner is due to submit his match report to the FA today and a Palace club statement said: "We take great exception at the outrageous allegations being levied at us by Cardiff City players and management."

Watford's Tom Cleverley scored his fifth goal in 10 League games to secure the Hornets' 1-0 victory at Middlesbrough.