Xavier ban appeal rejected

UEFA have rejected Middlesbrough defender Abel Xavier’s appeal against his 18-month ban imposed for testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

The 32-year-old became the first Premiership player to be found to have taken performance-enhancing drugs when a routine test showed the presence of methandienone, also known as dianabol, a steroid mainly used by body-builders.

The test took place following Boro’s UEFA Cup match against Greek side Xanthi on September 29 and he was given the suspension at a personal hearing at UEFA headquarters in Nyon last month.