THE Football Association today revealed they were continuing to sift through documents before deciding what charge to bring against Rio Ferdinand.
The Manchester United defender could face a lengthy ban and fine after failing to take a drugs test. English football's governing body, though, are refusing to be rushed and set a deadline on when a charge will be brought. It could now be the early part of next week as they want to be seen to be doing things right. FA spokesman Adrian Bevington told the FA's website: "The FA will today continue its evaluation of all the information gathered concerning Rio Ferdinand's failure to comply with a drugs test. "In the interest of all parties concerned, and football in general, the FA will proceed through all the facts with due diligence before making any decision as to what further steps within the process may be taken. "Therefore we will not be setting any deadlines as to when the FA will make an announcement concerning their decision on reviewing the evidence. Interviewed "We have no plans to make any further comment until this stage of the process is concluded." Ferdinand has already been interviewed by the FA's compliance unit and it is understood other officials and individuals relevant to the case have been called upon to give statements. The player's mobile phone records are also being examined. Ferdinand was selected at random by UK Sport anti-doping officers to take a drugs test at United's Carrington training ground on September 23. But the former Leeds and West Ham star left without taking the test, later claiming he had forgotten because he was moving house. The defender also claims he tried to telephone the club in a bid to have the test later in the day. Ferdinand subsequently passed a test 36 hours later. If it is found that he is guilty of wilful failure to take the test at the original time, Ferdinand could receive anything up to a two-year competitive ban. 23/10/2003 Regards, John, Ext 3660 ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/GtUolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Subscription info WWW http://red11.org/list Reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] = subscribe to the list. [EMAIL PROTECTED] = unsubscribe from the list. Post message [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
