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.