Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand (born on November 7, 1978 in Peckham, South London) is a Manchester United and an ex-England international football player in his usual position is central defence.

Drug test controversy

In 2003 he failed to attend a drugs test, claiming he had forgotten because he was preoccupied with moving house. The FA imposed an eight month ban from January 2004 at club and international level, meaning he would miss the rest of the league season and some of the next along with all of Euro 2004. Manchester United's appeals to have the ban reduced were turned down. John Terry replaced him in the England side until his return on 9 October 2004 in their World Cup qualifier against Wales.

Related Topics:
2003 - The FA - 2004 - Euro 2004 - John Terry - 9 October - World Cup - Wales

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The Rio Ferdinand drugs test saga has caused a huge debate over how footballers found guilty of drug offences (failing or missing tests) should be treated. One of Manchester United's reasons for appealing against the ban was that a Manchester City player had also missed a drugs test but escaped with just a £2,000 fine. Several seasons earlier, Ipswich midfielder Adam Tanner had been banned for just three months after failing a drugs test. In March 1995, Chris Armstrong had become the first Premiership footballer to fail a drugs test yet had returned to the game within a month after attending a brief rehab programme.

Related Topics:
Manchester City - Ipswich - Midfielder

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