We'll accept Rio ruling

Rio Ferdinand: could face a lengthy ban

Manchester United today appeared to back down from their tough stance with the Football Association over Rio Ferdinand.

Director and former United great Sir Bobby Charlton said that United would "accept" whatever decision the FA make over the England defender missing a drugs test even though he could be banned for up to a year if he is found guilty of 'wilful failure' to attend it.

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme this morning ahead of the club's Champions League game against Rangers, Charlton said: "The Football Association have made many changes just at the present time. I don't know how it is going to come out, but we shall accept it whatever happens."

Only five days ago, sources at Old Trafford said the club were even ready to take legal action if Ferdinand is banned.

And United officials moved quickly today to distance themselves from Charlton's comments. A spokesman said: "We will wait and see what the charges will be and what the disciplinary process produces. At the moment we are not committing to any response either way."

Privately, United say the comments from Charlton represent his own opinion rather than the club's.

The FA finally received evidence yesterday from Ferdinand's mobile phone records and chauffeur after a delay which has angered bosses.

The bundle of documents from Manchester United, which also contain a letter from club doctor Mike Stone, are being examined by FA's head of compliance Steve Barrow but the earliest Ferdinand could be charged is tomorrow.

With a fortnight's response time allowed, plus a hearing and then possible appeal, it may well be into the New Year before the £30million defender can concentrate on his football again.

Ferdinand claimed he forgot about the test because he was in the middle of moving house. But copies of the phone records indicate that Ferdinand's mobile phone was switched on when United officials were desperately trying to contact him.

Under anti-doping rules, failure to give a urine sample is regarded in the same light as testing positive for a banned substance.

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