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Former Ferrari engineer Nigel Stepney and suspended McLaren chief designer Mike Coughlan are to be called before the FIA in connection with the its investigation into McLaren’s ownership of confidential Ferrari documents.

It follows Thursday’s decision by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council, which deemed McLaren to be in breach of the International Sporting Code over the material, which was found in Coughlan’s possession and allegedly supplied by Stepney.

“The WMSC (World Motor Sport Council) will also invite Mr Stepney and Mr Coughlan to show reason why they should not be banned from international motor sport for a lengthy period and the WMSC has delegated authority to deal with this matter to the legal department of the FIA," read an FIA statement.

Both men are already the subject of legal proceedings by Ferrari over the matter. Stepney has maintained his innocence throughout the affair. Coughlan has supplied an affidavit detailing his actions, but has made no public comment on the matter.