Post by Taxigirl on Oct 18, 2005 8:38:20 GMT
www.sportinglife.com
Abel Xavier is set to tell his side of the story this morning after it emerged he failed a drugs test following last month's UEFA Cup game in Xanthi.
The Middlesbrough defender could answer the pertinent question which went unanswered yesterday, by revealing the substance for which he has tested positive.
Boro revealed last night that the 32-year-old Portugal international is due to issue a statement.
In the meantime, FIFA have suspended Xavier with immediate effect, pending what Boro described as "the outcome of a disciplinary investigation".
Xavier may choose to reveal further details of the position in which he finds himself, and it is one which could threaten his career if he stands accused of using a performance-enhancing product - and if the 'B' sample shows a similar result.
Middlesbrough confirmed Xavier produced a urine sample which returned a positive result after the September 29 second leg of Boro's first-round UEFA Cup match against their Greek opponents.
Middlesbrough drew 0-0 in Xanthi, a result which took them through to the UEFA Cup group stage 2-0 on aggregate.
The test was taken in Greece following that match and although Xavier has played for Boro since, he was not involved at the weekend in the 1-1 draw with Portsmouth.
Xavier signed for Boro on transfer deadline day, August 31, following a successful trial.
The former Liverpool and Everton player, who has also starred for the Portuguese national team, Benfica and Galatasaray, had been a free agent.
He agreed a one-year deal at the Riverside, having been brought in to replace Michael Reiziger, who moved on a free transfer to Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven.
Boro refused to comment further than outlining Xavier's position, and it remains unknown whether the substance detected in his 'A' sample might be considered performance-enhancing or recreational.
Abel Xavier is set to tell his side of the story this morning after it emerged he failed a drugs test following last month's UEFA Cup game in Xanthi.
The Middlesbrough defender could answer the pertinent question which went unanswered yesterday, by revealing the substance for which he has tested positive.
Boro revealed last night that the 32-year-old Portugal international is due to issue a statement.
In the meantime, FIFA have suspended Xavier with immediate effect, pending what Boro described as "the outcome of a disciplinary investigation".
Xavier may choose to reveal further details of the position in which he finds himself, and it is one which could threaten his career if he stands accused of using a performance-enhancing product - and if the 'B' sample shows a similar result.
Middlesbrough confirmed Xavier produced a urine sample which returned a positive result after the September 29 second leg of Boro's first-round UEFA Cup match against their Greek opponents.
Middlesbrough drew 0-0 in Xanthi, a result which took them through to the UEFA Cup group stage 2-0 on aggregate.
The test was taken in Greece following that match and although Xavier has played for Boro since, he was not involved at the weekend in the 1-1 draw with Portsmouth.
Xavier signed for Boro on transfer deadline day, August 31, following a successful trial.
The former Liverpool and Everton player, who has also starred for the Portuguese national team, Benfica and Galatasaray, had been a free agent.
He agreed a one-year deal at the Riverside, having been brought in to replace Michael Reiziger, who moved on a free transfer to Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven.
Boro refused to comment further than outlining Xavier's position, and it remains unknown whether the substance detected in his 'A' sample might be considered performance-enhancing or recreational.