Ferdinand axed for Turkey game
Rio Ferdinand has been ruled out of England’s crucial Euro 2004 clash with Turkey on Saturday, the Football Association have confirmed.
The 24-year-old Manchester United defender faces an investigation into his failure to attend a routine drugs test.
Football Association director of communications Paul Barber read a prepared statement from the FA.
“The FA has confirmed to head coach Sven-Goran Eriksson that Rio Ferdinand will not be available for selection against Turkey.
“Given the seriousness with which the FA regards its anti-doping policy, it was inappropriate for him to be available for selection at this time,” he said.
Professional Footballers’ Association chairman Gordon Taylor stated earlier that Ferdinand is out of the squad and must attend a “personal interview” with the FA on Monday.
Taylor attacked the FA’s decision to name the player, as drugs testing policy usually prevents disclosure of a player’s identity until he is proven guilty and a punishment has been decided.
Ferdinand insists that he simply forgot to attend the pre-arranged drugs test as he was moving house that day and says he completed and passed a drugs test within 36 hours.
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson delayed naming his team for the Euro 2004 qualifier until today and is believed to have done so because of the furore surrounding Ferdinand.
Ferdinand’s missed appointment comes with a maximum ban of two years, as it is considered a technical breach of anti-drugs laws endorsed by Fifa and Uefa.
Barber added today: “The disciplinary process will now run its course.
“In making the policy decision, the FA is not making any judgement whatsoever regarding his future England career or prejudging the outcome of any future disciplinary hearing.”
