The International Cycling Union has asked the Spanish federation to open disciplinary proceedings against Tour de France winner Alberto Contador for failing a drugs test.
Contador tested positive for the banned stimulant clenbuterol on the second rest day of this year's Tour de France which he won for the third time, beating Luxembourg's Andy Schleck by 39 seconds.
The 27-year-old Spaniard blamed contaminated meat for traces of the banned substance found in his system, prompting the UCI and World Anti-Doping Agency to investigate the matter further.
Contador faces the possibility of a two-year ban and losing his Tour title.
The Spanish federation can decide whether to ban Contador, who has been provisionally suspended by the UCI, or to clear him.
If it decides not to sanction the world's top rider, the UCI and WADA can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
