Soccer: Davids banned for Ireland match

Edgar Davids will miss Holland's World Cup match against Ireland, after he was banned for five months for taking the banned steroid nandrolone.

He was also fined 100m lire by the Italian Olympic committee. He tested positive after a Juventus game in March.

He had faced a possible eight-month ban and a fine twice as large but could be playing again by October 17 as he has been banned from club and international play since May 17, pending a definitive ruling.

The Juventus player has denied ever knowingly taking performance-enhancing substances.

He suggested that dietary supplements or homeopathic medicines might explain the high nandrolone levels.