Rio still faces long ban

2003-10-30 19:42

London - England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand could still be facing a lengthy suspension.

The English Football Association, which charged him with misconduct for missing a drug test, said on Thursday he could face a maximum two-year ban but a several-month suspension was more likely.

Reports on Wednesday when the FA announced the charges suggested Ferdinand had avoided the more serious charge of "willfully" missing a drug test on Sept. 23.

He said he "forgot" and was busy that day moving to another house.

However, the FA on Thursday issued a clarification and said it believes it has sufficient evidence to show at an upcoming hearing that Ferdinand "deliberately" missed the test.

The FA said it could have charged Ferdinand with the lesser "failure to submit" to a test but chose instead the tougher "failure or refusal to submit" charge.

An FA spokesman said the phrasing "willfuly" appears in a part of its doping regulations that "does not apply in this case and generated the confusion."

Manchester United has requested a personal hearing for Ferdinand, which could take place early in November. His case will be heard by a three-member disciplinary commission, which will judge the case and assess the penalty.

Ferdinand is free to play for Man United in the meantime, but the FA said Thursday he would not be picked for international play pending resolution of the case.

Ferdinand was ruled out of England's decisive Euro 2004 qualifier on Oct. 11, which came just days after news broke of the failed test.

Pressure to come down hard on Ferdinand has increased in the last several weeks as numerous athletes have tested positive for the steroid tetrahydrogestrinone, or THG, and the stimulant modafinil.

Fifa, the world governing body of soccer, is monitoring the case.

- AP