Avram Grant's long-term future as manager at Chelsea could be in doubt because he lacks the required coaching licence, according to reports.Uefa and Premier League rules require anyone wishing to manage in the top flight to hold the Uefa pro licence.
But Grant does not have one according to the Times and Guardian newspapers, and would need special dispensation to manage Chelsea for more than 12 weeks.
The pro licence requires 240 hours of study and usually takes a year to gain.
In the past the Premier League has granted extensions beyond the 12-week period of grace in a couple of exceptional cases.
Glenn Roeder received an extension on health grounds while Gareth Southgate was deemed to have had restricted opportunities to gain a licence because of his international career.
Martin O'Neill was also granted an exemption after undergoing a five-day refresher course.
Grant has not held a manager's position for five years but won league titles when coaching in Israel.