The Football Association has announced its investigation into Malky Mackay and Iain Moody's exchange of racist, sexist, homophobic and anti-Semitic messages has been extended after new information was passed to them.
The FA investigation into the messages, sent when Wigan manager Mackay and Moody were together at Cardiff, dates back to August and officials had been hoping to bring the case to a resolution in the next few weeks.
But the FA, in a statement released to Press Association Sport, said: "Due to the emergence of significant new information The FA is currently not in a position to conclude its ongoing enquiries into the allegations relating to Malky Mackay and Iain Moody."
Press Association Sport understands Cardiff are bemused by the length of the FA investigation and are waiting to see the outcome before deciding whether any further action is necessary.
It is understood that Cardiff's options include reporting the matter to world football's governing body FIFA or going to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
They could also seek an independent judicial review over the FA rules or even go public with the evidence they have submitted.
Mackay was sacked by Cardiff in December 2013 after falling out with owner Vincent Tan and seemed set to fill the Crystal Palace vacancy before the text messages were disclosed in August.
The 43-year-old Scot became manager of Cardiff's Sky Bet Championship rivals Wigan in November but has been unable to steer them away from relegation trouble.
Cardiff's board members did not sit in the directors' box during their 1-0 win at Wigan last week in a show of sympathy to Tan over the alleged racist comments made by Mackay and Latics owner Dave Whelan.
Instead, club chief executive Ken Choo and director Steve Borley watched the game behind the goal with the Cardiff fans at the DW Stadium.
Source: PA
