RIO FERDINAND DRUGS ROW: The English FA will vigorously defend any legal action brought by Manchester United following its decision to drop Rio Ferdinand from the England squad for failing to take a drug test.
Manchester United reacted furiously after England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson was ordered to exclude Ferdinand from his squad for Saturday's crucial Euro 2004 qualifying match against Turkey in Istanbul.
FA chief executive Mark Palios took the decision to exclude the Manchester United defender after he failed to provide a sample to drug testers from UK Sport on September 23rd, an offence punishable with a maximum two-year ban.
Ferdinand (24), claimed he forgot to take the test because he was moving house that day, though he was photographed shopping at Harvey Nichols in Manchester on the same afternoon. He provided a sample to UK Sport on September 25th, which tested negative. In a statement he said he was devastated by his exclusion.
"I want to take this opportunity to categorically state that I have never used drugs or condoned the use of drugs in sport or in society," he said. "I have been routinely tested like all players throughout my career and the results have always been the same: negative, like the most recent test.
"The biggest disappointment is not being picked for England for a game which is so important not only to myself, but also the team and the England fans.
"I have worked hard from a young age to get where I am and to be left out of the squad at this crucial stage is devastating.
"I would like to express my gratitude for all the support I am getting from my family and friends, Sir Alex and everyone else at Manchester United and the PFA."
Manchester United said the FA had compromised their player, and made a thinly-veiled threat of legal action.
"At no point . . . has Manchester United agreed with the approach the FA has taken to the matter, nor has it supported the FA's decision regarding Rio's non-selection for the England squad," the club said.
David Gill, Manchester United's chief executive, added: "We think the FA's decision not to select Rio for England is wrong for the player and wrong for the country. As a consequence, we will be vigorously pursuing our concerns about the matter in due course."
The FA is confident it can defend any action under the strict rules governing doping in sport, under which a failure to supply a sample for a drugs test constitutes an offence almost as serious as failing one.
The breakdown in relations between English football's governing body and its leading club came after three days of frantic negotiations intended to avert the air of shambles presented yesterday at the official announcement of Eriksson's squad.
Under the direction of Palios, who is keen to end the impression that the game is soft on drug abuse, the FA offered to convene a special disciplinary hearing at the weekend so that Ferdinand could be charged. United and the player declined, leaving Eriksson with no choice but to leave Ferdinand out.
In the face of United's criticism the FA stressed it was not pre-judging Ferdinand's case by leaving him out of the team.
Paul Barber, FA head of communications, said: "Given the seriousness with which the FA views breaches of its doping control regulations, the imminent England squad announcement and the importance of Saturday's match, the FA concluded that it was inappropriate for Rio Ferdinand to be available for selection for England at this time.
"In making the policy decision not to consider Rio Ferdinand for selection for the England squad to face Turkey, the FA is not making any judgment whatsoever regarding the player's future England career."
The row has left Eriksson looking isolated, and he did little to hide his displeasure when questioned about the loss of a first-choice player.
"I should like to have Rio against Turkey very much because we need him, but that's a football opinion," he said.
"I have to accept the orders, in this case from Mark Palios - and he's made that decision by himself I guess."
The FA's position received support from Britain's Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS). Sports minister Richard Caborn spoke yesterday to the FA, Manchester United and Michelle Veroken, head of UK Sport's drug testing.
A spokesman for DCMS said: "We expect to see governing bodies act like governing bodies and ensure drug free and fair competition, and we support the Football Association's decision to follow due procedures."
Drugs debacle - Timetable
Tues Sept 23rd: UK Sport doping control officers arrive at Manchester United's Carrington training ground and inform the club that four players, including Rio Ferdinand, have been selected for drug tests.
The player leaves the training ground without giving a urine specimen. United say he then realises his mistake and makes efforts to give a specimen than afternoon but the UK Sport team have left.
Thurs Sept 25th: Ferdinand takes an official FA drugs test, which proves to be negative.
Fri Oct 3rd: UK Sport report findings to FA.
Sat Oct 4th: United chief executive David Gill is informed that as a result of Ferdinand's failure to attend the initial test he will not be picked for the England squad. United contact lawyers and begin efforts to overturn that decision.
Last Sunday: FA executive director David Davies has informal meeting with Ferdinand in the morning. In the afternoon, FA officials, but not including FA chief executive Mark Palios, meet United representatives. England squad announcement due at 7 p.m. is delayed until Tuesday.
Last Monday: United receive official documentation of personal interview with the FA to take place on October 13th. Attempts by the FA to bring forward the formal interview with Ferdinand to this day or Tuesday October 7th, prove unsuccessful. United claim their efforts to speak to Palios are thwarted - though the FA deny this. News of the controversy begins to leak out and United finally issue a statement of confirmation at 11.29 p.m.
Yesterday: PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor criticises FA claiming they have compromised Ferdinand's right to confidentiality. Confirmation comes at 1 p.m. that Ferdinand has been left out of the England squad.
