FA upholds Ferdinand ban
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Article summary
Manchester United FC and England defender Rio Ferdinand has failed to overturn his eight-month suspension.
Article body
Sentence confirmed
The English international will therefore miss the remainder of the domestic season and UEFA EURO 2004™. The FA initially imposed an eight-month suspension before Christmas and, although Ferdinand launched an appeal, the sentence of the independent disciplinary commission was confirmed today.
September return
The appeal was heard by an independent three-man panel, with Ferdinand's counsel providing new evidence in his defence before the FA replied. Ferdinand began his ban on 20 January, meaning he will be available to return to action in September.