Ferdinand will not face Turkey after missing drugs test

England defender Rio Ferdinand will miss his country's crucial European Championship qualifier against Turkey this Saturday after he missed a random drugs test.

Ferdinand was one of four players due to be tested at Manchester United's training ground, however, he did not provide a sample until more than 24 hours later.

Under Doping Control Regulations, "the failure or refusal by a player to submit to a drug test as required by a competent official" amounts to a breach of FA Rule E26 and this may lead to disciplinary sanctions for misconduct, an FA spokesperson said.

In a statement today, the FA said: "The FA also has responsibility for the England team. Bearing in mind the imminent squad announcement for next Saturday's match, the FA held discussions with the player, Manchester United officials and the PFA relating to the selection issue that had to be considered.

"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 has concluded that it is inappropriate for Rio Ferdinand to be available for selection for England."

The FA pointed out that their decision is no way a judgement upon the future of Ferdinand's England career or on the eventual outcome of the probe.

However, the Premiership champions hit back, and David Gill, Manchester United’s Chief Executive, said that the decision was "wrong for the player and wrong for the country".

He added: "As a consequence, we will be vigorously pursuing our concerns about the matter in due course."

In a robust defence of their player, the club's statement read: "At no point since then 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 argued that as Ferdinand had not been charged with an offence he should continue to be available to represent England until "at least a disciplinary finding has been made against him by the FA".

"The publicity generated by the FA’s actions has put unfair pressure on Rio in what should have a remained a strictly confidential matter," the club added.

(gmcg)