Rio Left Out As Sven Picks Squad
By David Hobbs
October 7 2003
England manager Sven Goren-Eriksson has left Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand out of his squad to face Turkey on Saturday, due to all the controversy surrounding him. But the Nevilles, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have all been included in the 23-man squad.
| Ferdinand Left Out As Sven Names Team |
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England manager Sven Goren-Eriksson has left
Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand out of his squad to face Turkey on Saturday,
due to all the controversy surrounding him. Ferdinand failed to attend a routine medical by the UK Doping Control on the 23rd of September and now could face a possible ban of 2 years. "Rio Ferdinand was one of four Manchester United players selected at random to provide a sample for a routine test by UK Sport Doping Control officers on Tuesday 23 September 2003." Said Paul Barber, director of marketing and communications for the UK. "Under the FA’s doping control regulations, the failure or refusal to submit to a drug test as required by a competent official, amounts to the breach of FA rule E.26. This may lead to disciplinary sanctions for misconduct." Eriksson describes it as a ''pity'' that Ferdinand failed to attend the medical and has punished him by leaving him out. "I'm very sorry that we can't do it (include Ferdinand). I'm a football manager and of course I always want the best team. But on this occasion with Rio it's not possible. I've been told and I have to accept that." said the Swede. On the other hand, 4 other United players have been included in the squad. The Nevilles, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes have all been included in the 23 man squad. The Squad Goalkeepers:
James (West Ham), Robinson (Leeds), Walker (Leicester) |
