Ferdinand set to face FA charge today
The Manchester United defender is certain to face at least one charge and investigations by the FA's compliance team over the last three weeks have made it increasingly likely that he could also face a more severe allegation of deliberately missing the anti-doping test.
Ferdinand can have no defence against the straightforward charge of 'failure to attend an anti-doping test' he has already claimed he forgot, which is not allowed as an excuse.
However, sources close to the 24-year-old insist that when he does appear before a disciplinary hearing he will vigorously contest any suggestion that he deliberately or wilfully avoided the test.
English football's most expensive player missed the test at United's Carrington training ground on September 23, and as a consequence was omitted from England's squad that played against Turkey.
Since then, the FA have been investigating the case and even asked for the player's mobile phone records to judge if he had been, as he claimed, out of contact in the two hours after leaving the training ground.
Ferdinand and United are resigned to the fact that a charge and hearing is inevitable.
Plans have already been put in place for United's experienced lawyers James Chapman to represent Ferdinand when he appears before the disciplinary panel.
The footballing world will be watching the outcome of proceedings carefully the case was even discussed by FIFA's medical committee yesterday although no conclusions were reached.
Meanwhile, England captain David Beckham has vowed to support Rio Ferdinand "through thick and thin."
Beckham said: "You always hope players don't get long bans. It's his career.
Beckham also defended the behaviour of England's players in defending Ferdinand prior to the Turkey match on October 6.
"We put out a statement and we made our point," said Beckham.
"Now the matter is out of everyone's hands I'm sure it will be dealt with."
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
