By Michael Lynch
January 16 2004

Rio Ferdinand's representatives have told the world that he will be appealing against the ban he was imposed after failing a drugs test.

Rio Ferdinand will appeal against his eight-month ban for missing a drugs test, Manchester United, said in a statement.

He starts serving his ban on Tuesday but does have until Monday to launch an appeal against the imposed ban.

The Old Trafford club said: "Manchester United announced today that Rio Ferdinand has decided to begin his suspension from January 20th following the findings of the FA's Disciplinary Commission last month.

"The decision follows discussions between the club, the player and his lawyers."

Ferdinand said he was determined to appeal because "the verdict and the ban are wrong".

His ban was handed to Rio at a December 19 FA hearing after the 30 million pound defender, the biggest ever buy in English football, missed a drugs test at United's Carrington training ground on September 23.

 

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