Soccer: Banned de Boer appeals to Uefa

Frank de Boer is hopeful that his one-year doping ban will be lifted after appearing before a Uefa appeals panel.

De Boer was handed a one-year suspension from all Uefa competitions June 14, after testing positive for the banned steroid nandrolone after a game with Celta Vigo.

Fifa later extended the ban worldwide.

Uefa allowed de Boer to take a second test from another sample, but this was also positive.

"I think we've given them something to think about, that's for sure," the Barcelona defender said.

"I get a really good feeling about this, much better than the first time."

The Uefa appeals panel is expected to release its decision later this weekend.