Stam suspension upheld

The Italian Football League's disciplinary committee upheld S.S.Lazio defender Jaap Stam's suspension for failing a test for the banned steroid nandrolone on Saturday.

Suspended indefinitely
The league confirmed that the Dutch international would be suspended indefinitely from all sporting activity with immediate effect. The decision follows an announcement by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) on Friday that the former Manchester United FC defender had tested positive for nandrolone after a Serie A game against Atalanta BC on 13 October.

'Absolutely gutted'
Stam will not be able to take part in Lazio's game at Udinese Calcio on Sunday and the date of his eventual return to action depends on the outcome of what could be a lengthy and complex procedure. The player has spoken of his intense shock at the allegations. "This has turned my world upside down," said Stam. "I am absolutely gutted by these allegations. I simply cannot believe this has happened to me. I feel sick at the suggestion I would take drugs. I do not know why the test should come out positive and I am in a state of shock and confusion.

'I am not a cheat'
"I know nothing about the whole nandrolone situation. I can say without hesitation or doubt that I have knowingly never taken nandrolone or any other illegal substance nor have I had even a vague indication of any risks concerning doping. I am not and have never been a cheat and would never jeopardise the happiness of my family or the future of my career. It is ridiculous to suggest I would, whatever the test says," added Stam.

Lengthy ban
Stam's Dutch team-mates Frank de Boer and Edgar Davids were both disciplined after testing positive for nandrolone, and the defender is hoping that he can take strength from their example.

'I know they were innocent'
"I am concerned that this is the third person from the Dutch squad that this has happened to," said Stam. "Frank [de Boer] and Edgar [Davids] know what it is like to go through a nightmare like this and I hope I can learn from them. I am now very worried about what will happen in the future because I know my Dutch team-mates de Boer and Davids were banned after failing the same tests and I know they were innocent."