Bosnich to appeal FA ban

GOALKEEPER Mark Bosnich has pledged to appeal against being found guilty of a positive drugs test for cocaine – even though he could be back playing again by the end of September.

An FA commission ruled that Bosnich, who claimed his drink had been spiked with the drug on a night out, was guilty of charges of improper conduct and breaching their doping control regulations.

However, his nine-month ban backdated to start from December 23, 2002 when a temporary worldwide restriction was first enforced is still well short of the recommended two-year suspension under a new worldwide code against drugs.

The FA privately stress their determination to crack down on drugs offences in the game but they have not yet signed up to the World Anti-Doping Agency code and it does not come into force until next January in any case.

They will reassess their regulations during the close season but argue that they cannot change their punishment guidelines during the course of an on-going campaign.

Bosnich, 31, failed a drugs test that, according to his legal team, was carried out at the request of Chelsea, last October, with the 'B' sample matching the results of the 'A' sample and leading to the FA charges.

The Australian, who entered into treatment for depression, was also served notice by Chelsea of his dismissal, which he is still contesting separately despite an initial Premier League verdict that the club had acted justifiably.