Tests the FA face over Rio case
14 April 2012
The Rio Ferdinand case will provide a major test of the Football Association's stance on drugs.
- Even though FIFA are not signed up to the World Anti-Doping Agency's code on drugs, they still use WADA's rules and punishments as a guideline for football.
- The WADA code, backed by the International Olympic Committee, is very clear and recommends a two-year ban for failing a drugs test for steroids and regards a failure to attend the test in the same way.
- FIFA's own doping control regulations state that "refusal to undergo a doping test shall be considered the same as a positive test", but no set punishment is recommended.
- Ferdinand has been charged with "failure or refusal" to take the test, which still carries a maximum two year ban. Under FA rules a more serious charge exists, rule 1e, that refers to a "wilful failure to comply" with the test but this is only relevant if the player refuses in the testing room. Ferdinand was not charged with this offence.
- Although there are no precedents for this case, it is likely Ferdinand will get a ban of three to six months if he is found guilty of "refusal", or a heavy fine if found guilty of "failure".
