Football disciplinary chiefs gathered evidence against Luis Suarez on Wednesday as calls mounted for the Uruguay star to be kicked out of the World Cup after his latest biting storm.
The Liverpool striker shocked the footballing world when he sank his teeth into Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's 1-0 victory over the Azzurri on Tuesday.
Suarez, banned twice before for biting opposing players, could be expelled from the tournament if found guilty.
Suarez and Uruguayan officials have until 12am UAE time to submit evidence to a disciplinary panel set up by football's governing body FIFA.
"The disciplinary committee is working to get a decision as early as possible," FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer said when asked if a decision would likely be made before Uruguay's last 16 match against Colombia on Saturday.
Fischer would not speculate on the possible terms of any punishment, although she confirmed Suarez's previous offences could be taken into account.
"The disciplinary committee can take all elements into account as it deems necessary," she said.
While Suarez had "a right to be heard", he was not expected to travel to Rio from Uruguay's training base to address any disciplinary hearing, Fischer said.
Suarez was nowhere to be seen early Wednesday as his Uruguay team-mates trained in Natal amid the raging controversy.
