The disciplinary action comes after television footage caught the Serbian punching Wigan's Shaun Maloney in the body in Saturday's controversial match at Stamford Bridge.

Ivanovic has until 6pm on 11th April to decide whether to appeal the charge, which would likely carry a three-match suspension.

Such a ban would rule the defender out of Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham and other crucial London derby fixtures against Arsenal and QPR.

A statement on the FA's official website read: "Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has today [Tuesday 10 April 2012] been charged by the FA with violent conduct following an incident in his side's game against Wigan Athletic.

"Ivanovic was involved in an incident with Wigan's Shaun Maloney, which was not seen by the match officials, but caught on video, during his side's 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 7 April 2012."