Ferdinand pleads drug case with FA

Ferdinand had two-hour meeting with FA Story Tools

LONDON, England -- Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has pleaded his case in front of the Football Association but must wait for a decision on whether he faces a misconduct charge for failing to take a drugs test.

In a statement released by Manchester United, Ferdinand said: "I provided the FA with a full and detailed explanation of my failure to take a random test on September 23.

"My explanation dealt with a number of issues, including the reasons why I failed to attend the test and my attempts to rectify the situation with a test that same day.

"I also reiterated my condemnation of drugs in sport."

Ferdinand, 24, was accompanied by PFA union boss Gordon Taylor in the two-hour meeting in Manchester with FA head of compliance Steve Barrow.

The £30 million defender was dropped from England's crucial Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey on Saturday because of the error, sparking a revolt among the rest of the England squad who threatened to boycott the match in protest.

Ferdinand has insisted his mind was distracted because he was moving house on the day of the test.

It is thought he will be charged by the FA later this week and will hope he is not hit with the most serious charge of wilfully missing the test, which carries a maximum two-year suspension.

The other charge he faces is failure to attend an anti-doping test.

Wilfully missing a test is a far more serious offence, and would carry a definite ban. To be proved it needs evidence of a deliberate attempt to avoid the drug testers.

FA marketing and communications director Paul Barber said before the hearing: "As you would expect the FA will be conducting a thorough review of all the issues including an analysis of what was said by whom and when.

"Clearly, the FA would expect any unsubstantiated or inaccurate statements made about its handling of a very difficult issue to be corrected by those concerned at the earliest possible opportunity."

Manchester United lawyers are battling to save their player from a possible ban.

"Look, Rio made a mistake in not having his test when he should have done . But it was just an innocent error -- he forgot," said United manager Sir Alex Fergsuon.

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