UEFA has confirmed that the case involving Middlesbrough FC defender Abel Xavier for a breach of anti-doping regulations will be heard by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body on Wednesday 23 November in Nyon, starting at 13.00CET.

In-competition test
UEFA said in a statement on Friday: "The player was tested in-competition [in the UEFA Cup tie at Skoda Xanthi FC] on 29 September 2005. Metandienone was detected in the A urine sample.

B sample analysis
"This substance is banned under the 2005 World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List, in the category S1, anabolic agents [or anabolic androgenic steroids]. The result of the B sample analysis confirmed the A sample result.

Provisional suspension
"The Control and Disciplinary Body inflicted a provisional suspension on the player on 14 October. The same authority will deal with the merits of the case on 23 November. At this date, the case will be examined under the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations.

No further comments
"No further comments will be made in this case until a decision of first instance is communicated to the player," the statement concluded.

Free transfer
Middlesbrough signed the 32-year-old former Portuguese international on a free transfer in August following his release by AS Roma. He was capped 20 times by Portugal and has played for clubs across Europe including SL Benfica, Galatasaray SK, PSV Eindhoven, Everton FC and Liverpool FC.