Leeds goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is set to be hit with a ban of between eight and 12 matches for racially abusing Charlton’s Jonathan Leko.

The Football Association launched a probe after the Spaniard was accused of directing a racial slur towards striker Leko when the clubs met in September.

The FA have concluded their investigation and are preparing to throw the book at the former Real Madrid keeper.

Kiko Casilla is set to be hit with a ban of between eight to 12 games for alleged racial abuse

A formal announcement of the verdict is expected on Wednesday and Casilla’s punishment could see him suspended until the start of next year.

The 33-year-old has started every Championship game this season and his absence will be a major blow to manager Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion hopes.

Claims of what Casilla said to Leko, 20, who is on loan from West Bromwich Albion, were reported to referee John Brooks after the game and included in his official report, sparking the FA investigation.

The FA launched a probe after Casilla was accused of a racial slur towards Jonathan Leko

The FA spoke to both players and called in lip readers and Spanish interpreters in their attempt to uncover full details of the flashpoint.

The evidence against Casilla is understood to be strong and will prompt the FA to take a hardline stance.

The FA are determined to send out a message about their determination to stamp out racism, especially in light of UEFA’s heavily criticised decision to force Bulgaria to play just one guaranteed game behind closed doors after their fans’ racist abuse of England players in a Euro 2020 qualifier last month.