Wayne Rooney is hoping his threat to pull out of the Football Association's commercial projects will force them to look again at how they handle disciplinary issues.
Rooney made a two-goal start to the Premiership season for Manchester United yesterday but it will be the middle of September before he is back.
The 20-year-old admitted he is devastated to miss Wednesday's trip to Charlton, plus the following game with Watford and Tottenham as a result of his dismissal against Porto in a four-team pre-season tournament in Amsterdam. So annoyed is Rooney at the suspension that advisor Paul Stretford has written to FA chief executive Brian Barwick and warned the striker is considering whether to take part in FA commercial activities and allow his image to be used for marketing.
The letter was sent late last week with the knowledge of United and with Rooney also aware of England coach Steve McClaren's belief that the ban - imposed by an independent three-man disciplinary commission - was `unhelpful' in fostering relations with major clubs.
