(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-13 08:50

BRASILIA -- After beating Santos on Sunday, Sao Paulo will now have to battle in the Court of Sports Justice in order to keep their forward Adriano from being expelled of this year's Paulista state tournament.

Adriano was sent off in Sunday's game after having headbutted Domingos of Santos.

The Court is set to deal with the case next Monday and, if found guilty, Adriano faces a suspension of 120-540 days.

Fortunately to the leadership of Sao Paulo, the suspension would only be applicable to the Sao Paulo state championship, and would not prevent the striker from playing the prestigious Copa Libertadores that brings together the best teams in South America.