Nuno Assis handed suspension
Friday, February 17, 2006
Article summary
SL Benfica's Nuno Assis has been provisionally banned from all UEFA matches with immediate effect after allegedly testing positive for a banned substance.
Article body
Appeal deadline
UEFA said on Friday that the 28-year-old would remain suspended from European national-team and club matches until an appropriate decision had been taken by the Portuguese football authorities. An appeal may be lodged against the decision by 24.00CET on Monday 20 February.
UEFA measure
UEFA said it had come to the European body's attention that Nuno Assis had allegedly tested positive for norandrosterone, which is a prohibited substance according to the 2006 UEFA list of prohibited substances, as well as according to the FIFA list.
Provisional suspension
The European body said the provisional ban imposed on Nuno Assis by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) had made it necessary for UEFA to take its own disciplinary measure. Nuno Assis has played two games in the UEFA Champions League this season. Benfica take on Liverpool FC in the first knockout round, with the Round of 16 first leg taking place in Lisbon next Tuesday.
