Xavier to face UEFA drug rap
Xavier, 32, was last month suspended from all competition after a routine urine test was found to contain traces of a banned substance, which has been confirmed as an anabolic steroid.
The former Portugal defender, who has insisted that there is a "reasonable and entirely harmless explanation" for the controversy, will be required to appear before a disciplinary committee at Uefa's headquarters in Switzerland a week on Thursday. Xavier has claimed he "never" intended to dope himself, but that is not regarded as an adequate defence.
Xavier was tested at random by drug collection officers after Middlesbrough's 0-0 draw away to Xanthi, the Greek side, in the UEFA Cup. His club were informed of the positive result on October 15 and he was omitted from their home match against Portsmouth the next day.
It is understood he told Middlesbrough that he had been taking a legal food supplement imported from the United States.
While his employers have signalled their intention to support the player, they would be within their rights to terminate his one-season contract with immediate effect were he to be found guilty of taking Dianabol, which is the trade name for methandrostenolone.
While the football authorities reserve the right to treat cases individually, a year's suspension could be expected.
"The hearing will take place on November 17 and the player will attend," a spokesperson for UEFA, the European game's governing body, said.
Previously, no player from the Premiership has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug. (© The Times, London)
- GEORGE CAULKIN
