Rio is pinning hopes on phone call

RIO FERDINAND is set to argue he was denied an opportunity to take a drugs test when he launches his defence against an FA misconduct charge in Bolton next week.

It has emerged Ferdinand contacted Manchester United officials 90 minutes after he was due to take the test on September 23 following a series of frantic calls from the club's Carrington training ground when it became apparent the England man had failed to turn up as planned.

Doping controllers were still at Carrington at that time but it is reported they told Ferdinand he could not return to take the test.

Both United and UK Sport, who carry out the FA's drugs testing programme, have refused to discuss Ferdinand's situation, but it is believed the phone call and the fact the testers were still at Carrington when it was made will be a major part of the defender's defence.

And, if the allegations are proved to be true, it would undermine the case against Ferdinand.

FA executive director David Davies has already admitted the organisation's regulations are inadequate to deal with a failure to take a drugs test, and the latest revelations only enhance Ferdinand's chances of avoiding suspension.

Under the IOC's 'strict liability rule' athletes are totally responsible for taking tests and any failure to attend is deemed to be their own fault.

However, the FA do not come under the IOC's control, which means they must deal with the matter according to their own guidelines.

It had been widely anticipated Ferdinand would receive a three-month ban after his two-day hearing, due to begin in Bolton on December 18.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already declared his intention to look into the case, angering both United and the FA with his willingness to comment on the matter.

However, with Blatter demanding action and United believing they have enough evidence to ensure Ferdinand avoids a ban, the FA appear to be in a particularly difficult situation.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Alex Ferguson's new contract will not be ratified until the end of the week.

Ferguson's legal representative spent the weekend pouring over the details of the four-year contract which is estimated will net the Scot £4million-a-year - and verbal agreement is expected within 48 hours.

Chief executive David Gill cannot sign off the contract until he has received a green light from the PLC board, which should be granted at Friday's scheduled meeting.

For now, Ferguson is concentrating his energies on tonight's Champions League encounter with Bundesliga leaders Stuttgart at Old Trafford

United need a win to claim top spot in Group E and avoid the likes of Juventus and Real Madrid in the first knock-out stage next year.