Ferdinand facing drugs test inquiry

Rio Ferdinand is tonight at the centre of a drugs test controversy that could threaten his participation in England’s Euro 2004 qualifier in Turkey.

The Manchester United defender has been reported to the Football Association for failing to attend a drugs test – a matter that can in some circumstances carry a maximum two-year ban.

However, it is understood that Ferdinand insists that his failure to attend was just forgetfulness, and that he took and passed another drugs test within 48 hours.

The controversy is believed to be the reason that there has been a two-day delay in naming the England squad while the FA wrestled with a dilemma over whether Ferdinand should be included.

The FA will announce the squad at 1pm tomorrow when it will be known whether or not Ferdinand has been selected.

The 24-year-old has not been charged with any offence and he is due to attend an FA hearing next week to offer an explanation. The FA will then decide whether further action is necessary.

A source close to the player told the Press Association: “He did not fail or refuse to take a drugs test at any time.

“There was a routine drugs test at Manchester United’s training ground a couple of weeks ago. He was moving house that day and rushed off after training and forgot all about the test.

“As soon as he realised his mistake he took another test within 48 hours and passed it.”

Both the FA and Manchester United have refused to comment on the case. It is completely within the FA’s power to decide what to do next. They have to go through a process and decide whether the failure to take the test was deliberate and then charge him or accept his explanation and take no action.

Their immediate problem lies over whether calling him up for Saturday’s fixture would be inappropriate given the seriousness with which they treat all cases of this nature.

Ferdinand would also face intense scrutiny in the build-up to the game which holds the key to England’s participation in the Euro 2004 finals.

Leaving him out, however, could leave them open to accusations that he has been unfairly treated.

If he is omitted, it is expected that Chelsea’s John Terry will partner Sol Campbell in the centre of England’s defence.

Manchester United tonight released the following statement to The Press Association:

“Manchester United confirms that it received today (Monday) written notification that Rio Ferdinand did not attend a routine official Football Association drugs test on 23rd September 2003.

“The player has not been charged with any offence, but has been asked to attend a personal interview on Monday 13 October to explain the reasons behind his non attendance.

“Rio will have had no opportunity to outline his position before this interview.

“The player underwent a routine official FA drugs test 36 hours later on 25th September and this was negative.”