Xavier set to appeal ban

Abel Xavier is set to appeal against an 18-month ban imposed by UEFA after the Middlesbrough defender tested positive for an anabolic steroid.

The 32-year-old Portuguese international failed a routine drugs test following his side’s UEFA Cup match against Xanthi on September 29 after samples revealed the presence of methandienone, also known as dianabol, a steroid mainly used by body-builders.

Xavier, the first Premiership player to be found to have taken performance-enhancing – as opposed to recreational – drugs, was given the suspension following a personal hearing at UEFA headquarters in Nyon.

However, Xavier’s representatives have told UEFA the player intends to appeal - Xavier has three days after receiving written notification of the ruling to do so officially.

UEFA said in a statement: “The player was found guilty of being in breach of the UEFA anti-doping regulations. As a result, the UEFA control and disciplinary body decided to impose an 18-month ban on Abel Xavier. This decision may be appealed against within three days of receipt of the written reasoning.”

Xavier is thought to have claimed he took the drug unknowingly after buying a supplement from the USA that had been contaminated by the substance in order to help recover from a virus.

In a statement to PA Sport last month he said: “I am convinced that there is a reasonable and entirely harmless explanation for such positive finding. I hope to prove my innocence and my good faith.”

Middlesbrough signed the Portuguese international on a free transfer in August following his release by Italian side Roma.

He has been capped 20 times by Portugal and has played for both Liverpool and Everton as well as Benfica, Galatasaray and PSV Eindhoven.