LONDON, May 6, 2008 (AFP) - The FIA have appointed an independent expert to look into the sexual allegations that threaten to cost president Max Mosley his job.

Mosley faces an extraordinary hearing of the world governing body´s general assembly in Paris on June 3 at which a vote of confidence will be taken on his position.

This follows an article in English tabloid, the News of the World, published at the end of March, in which it claimed Mosley took part in a ´Nazi-style´ orgy with prostitutes.

Mosley, 68, has vehemently denied any ´Nazi´ connotation and is pursuing unlimited damages from the Sunday tabloid at a legal case to be heard in July.

A FIA statement read: "Senior officers of the FIA have appointed Anthony Scrivener QC as an independent expert to undertake a full analysis of the available evidence relating to allegations in the News of the World that Mr Mosley was involved in ´Nazi-style´ activities.

"Mr Mosley has welcomed this appointment.

"Mr Scrivener QC will provide an opinion on whether the available evidence supports the use by the News of the World of this description.

"Should the FIA Extraordinary General Assembly so decide, this opinion will be available to the member clubs of the FIA on 3 June."