Croatian Player fails drug test at Euro 2004 and is allowed to keep playing

[bigtoga]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/euro_2004/croatia/3823897.stm

Olic, 24, tested for the pain-killing substance methylpresnisolone after the 2-2 draw with France on 17 June, when he was used as a late substitute. But Uefa's control and disciplinary body ruled the player was not at fault and can play against England on Monday. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has been fined £4,335 for not following the correct anti-doping procedures. Rio was at fault but it was also the fault of United for not having proper anti-dopiing procedures in place.

********ing FA

[Soccerholic]

Small point, in case anyone is interested: methylprednisolone is not a pain killing substance, it's an anti-inflamatory.

[jegerpenge]

It's also a steroid, but yes, it's an anti-inflamatory as Soccerholic pointed out.

[Mac_Howard]

Although it's banned there is an exception which operates in this case.

He was given an anti-inflammatory drug after treatment by a UEFA doctor. It's known to contain the banned drug but there is an exemption for it's use in this way. The problem arose because the doctor didn't inform the authorities - he's been fined also - until after the test was taken.

Apparently FIFA haven't signed up to WADA's rules lock, stock and barrel. These exemptions still operate though Dick Pound (head of WADA) doesn't like it. He insists there are no exeptions. FIFA insist there are and this is one.

[bigtoga]

I can only hope Olic scores the goal that sends England home (because of poor defending). ********ing FA would catch 1000x more ******** then lol

I know lots of posters support England but I could give a rat's a$$ who wins... I'm just in for good soccer. And you have to admit the irony would be prety heavy...