Now United will try to expose drug law flaws

On tenterhooks: Rio Ferdinand arrives in Bolton with his lawyer

Adrian Warner|Joe Bernstein|Evening Standard

14 April 2012

Embarrassing flaws in English football's anti-doping rules are likely to be exposed today regardless of the verdict of Rio Ferdinand's drugs hearing.

The England defender was quizzed yesterday by the Football Association's legal team at the Reebok Stadium, but his side are expected to vigorously question the two drug testers who hold the key to the case.

It is expected Ronald Thwaites QC, representing the United player, will attempt to exploit ambiguities in the FA's anti-doping rules which even new chief executive Mark Palios admits needs to be tightened.

That review is unlikely to happen before the end of the season. But if Thwaites can prove the procedure was flawed, the case could be thrown out on a technicality.

It is understood the UK Sport officials carrying out the test did not notify Ferdinand in person that he was one of four players randomly selected, instead United's doctor Mike Stone told the player. This is not unusual at football training grounds and the FA side may argue this was because security is so tight at United's Carrington complex.

Ferdinand's team are also likely to claim the testers should have stayed with the player until he had provided the test. It is being speculated they have gathered evidence from four other clubs who claim this is standard practise in football as well.

However, the FA will probably counter by arguing the testers were able to collect the samples from Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and a youth player without any problems.

Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to appear today as a witness for his £30million player. FA officials confirmed the United defender will be able to play during the Christmas programme even if the disciplinary commission concludes the two-day hearing by banning him. Ferdinand has 14 days to lodge an appeal against any ruling.

In the meantime, he would be able to face Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday. If Ferdinand immediately decides against an appeal, the panel could decide when the ban would start.

If, however, Ferdinand is suspended for the expected six months to a year, he is certain to appeal. The fact Ferdinand has been allowed to play despite missing the test back on 23 September has already been attacked by FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

Earlier this month, the head of football's world governing body launched a fierce attack on the time the FA takes to clear up some disciplinary matters. It is significant that yesterday, while the first day of the Ferdinand hearing was running, the German FA's disciplinary committee was handling the case of French striker Daniel Gomez, who failed a drugs test last month.

The committee said it needed to hear further evidence and plans to meet again on 15 January. But the player will be suspended pending a final hearing.

Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, has added his voice to calls for changes to the FA's disciplinary proceedings.

The Arsenal manager said: "Changes are welcome because that is the opinion shared by everybody in the English game."

No details of yesterday's proceedings at Bolton's Reebok Stadium were made public by the FA.

Here English football also appears to be behind the times. Some 10 years ago when double world sprint champion Katrin Krabbe appealed against a high-profile doping ban in Germany, the whole of the two-day hearing was open to the media.

MORE ABOUT

FIFA

Now United will try to expose drug law flaws

Read More