'Forgotten' drugs test could cost Rio England place
Footballer Rio Ferdinand could miss England’s crucial Euro 2004 qualifying match against Turkey after missing a routine drugs test.
The Manchester United defender claims he forgot to give a sample after a club training session but took the test a few days later and passed, according to a source close to the soccer star.
But the player has been reported to the Football Association and it is believed his actions are behind the two-day delay in naming the international squad while FA officials decide whether Ferdinand should be included.
The squad was due to be announced today at 1pm.
The 24-year-old defender has not been charged with any offence and he is due to attend an FA hearing next week to offer an explanation.
The FA will then decide whether further action is necessary. In some circumstances failing to attend a drugs test carries a maximum two-year ban.
A source close to the player told PA News: “He did not fail or refuse to take a drugs test at any time.
“There was a routine drugs test at Manchester United’s training ground a couple of weeks ago. He was moving house that day and rushed off after training and forgot all about the test.”
He added that as soon as the player realised his mistake he took the test a few days later and passed.
The FA have refused to comment on the case but Manchester United in a statement last night confirmed Ferdinand had missed the test on September 23 but said he passed another examination 36 hours later.
The club said: “The player has not been charged with any offence, but has been asked to attend a personal interview on Monday October 13 to explain the reasons behind his non-attendance.
“Rio will have had no opportunity to outline his position before this interview.
“The player underwent a routine official FA drugs test 36 hours later on September 25 and this was negative.”
If Ferdinand is omitted for Saturday’s match, it is expected that Chelsea’s John Terry will partner Sol Campbell in the centre of England’s defence.
England coach Sven Goran Eriksson is due to hold a press conference following the squad announcement.
