It looks like being a busy week for the Football Association with off-field matters top of the agenda.
As if beginning the search for Fabio Capello's successor in the wake of the Italian's shock resignation last week was not enough, it seems the problem they thought had gone away simply has not.
Luis Suarez's apparent refusal to shake Patrice Evra's hand, and so draw an albeit unsatisfactory line under the racism issue which has rarely been far from the headlines in four months, re-ignited a row which should have been dealt with.
Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to wade into the conflict, having previously been reluctant to comment, by labelling the striker a "disgrace" and saying he should never play for Liverpool again will have done little for relations between the north west rivals.
His outspoken words could also attract the attention of the FA, as may incidents involving players in the Old Trafford tunnel at the interval and full time which will require further investigation should referee Phil Dowd include them in his match report.
It cannot be good for the game that England's two most successful clubs appear to be on the verge of war with each other but it seems any kind of mediation is unlikely to be successful.
Liverpool's suggestion of "peace talks" prior to the two clubs' meeting in the FA Cup fourth round tie at Anfield last month was dismissed by Ferguson, who claimed they were not necessary.
Relations between the two clubs at boardroom level are better than they are in the dugout and on the pitch but there are many bridges to be built before this matter can safely be laid to rest.
At least the apologies of Suarez, Kenny Dalglish and their club yesterday over the player's refusal to shake Evra's hand and the manager's post-match reactions to an interviewer's questions about the player's conduct are a step in the right direction.
The whole Suarez incident makes the FA's job of finding the next England manager seem straightforward in comparison.
They will go through the process of drawing up a shortlist but, with Harry Redknapp the hot favourite, prising him out of his contract with Tottenham, who now appear nailed on for a return to the Champions League after their eye-catching victory over Newcastle at the weekend, will not come cheap.
However, conducting negotiations with officials at White Hart Lane may be slightly easier than attempting to diffuse the simmering tensions which currently exist between the two north west clubs separated by 35 miles of the M62 but who would still appear to be some way apart when it comes to the most contentious issue of this season.
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