Gus Poyet's future as Brighton manager is in further doubt after he missed a disciplinary hearing.
Poyet, assistant manager Mauricio Taricco and coach Charlie Oatway were suspended by Brighton last month in the aftermath of the play-off semi-final defeat by Crystal Palace.
Taricco has since had his suspension lifted but Poyet was due at a disciplinary hearing on Monday morning.
However, Brighton say the Uruguayan did not show up and have given him one last chance to attend a hearing later in the week.
A club statement read: "Following the completion of a detailed internal investigation, Gus Poyet's disciplinary hearing commenced this morning.
"However, Gus Poyet elected not to attend for disputed legal reasons. The club's disciplinary panel chose to adjourn the meeting to later this week to provide Mr Poyet with a final opportunity to attend.
"The club's separate internal process involving Charlie Oatway continues."