World cycling's governing body has asked for the withdrawal of the Astana team's professional license for 2015.

The UCI has reviewed an independent audit of the team - which was commissioned after a number of doping cases involving some of their riders.

It puts Tour de France champion Vincenzo Nibali in limbo - as he races for Astana.

The matter has been referred to the sport's license commission.

A UCI statement read: "After careful review of this extensive report, the UCI strongly believes that it contains compelling grounds to refer the matter to the Licence Commission (2) and request the Astana Pro Team licence be withdrawn."