"Further to reports in the media that I made a racist remark to a fourth official last year, I wish to categorically deny that allegation," Houghton said in a statement, responding to reports about a friendly against Yemen last year.

The All India Football Federation discussed the issue surrounding the well traveled English coach at its executive committee meeting earlier this week.

"The Executive Committee...expressed its unhappiness regarding the conduct and derogatory remarks made by Bob Houghton. The Executive committee has unanimously decided to seek legal opinion regarding its course of action," the AIFF said in a statement.

India captain Baichung Bhutia and striker Sunil Chhetri have already vouched for the coach, saying he made no such remarks.