The British Attorney General will consider "as quickly as possible" whether to start contempt proceedings against the Sunday Mirrorover the collapse of the trial of two Leeds United players and two others.
The judge presiding over the assault case involving the Leeds players discharged the jury on Monday saying an interview in the paper posed a substantial risk of prejudice. Mr Justice David Poole set a retrial for October.
The judge referred the Sunday Mirrorto the attorney general and sais it might also have to pay trial costs.
The office of Attorney General Lord Williams of Mostyn said in a statement: "He will study the relevant transcripts of the trial, any other relevant material and, as is usual, listen to representations from the Sunday Mirror."
"This will necessarily take some time but he will reach a decision whether to issue proceedings as quickly as possible."
The newspaper issued a statement yesterday apologising for the effects of the article and saying it was checking if appropriate procedures were followed.
"We are seeking to establish the precise editorial and legal processes that were taken last week," it said. "We would like to take this opportunity to express our deep regret at the subsequent chain of events."
Mr Sarfraz Najeib suffered serious injuries including a broken leg and fractured cheekbone in the alleged attack. Footballers Jonathan Woodgate, Lee Bowyer and two of Woodgate's friends all denied causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray.