FIFA extend duo's bans worldwide
Wednesday, February 6, 2002
Article summary
The Italian drugs bans handed to Jaap Stam and Josep Guardiola have been extended worldwide.
Article body
Football's world governing body FIFA confirmed on Wednesday that the Italian drugs bans handed to Jaap Stam and Josep Guardiola have been extended worldwide.
Positive tests for nandrolone
S.S. Lazio defender Stam and Brescia Calcio midfield playmaker Guardiola were handed backdated bans of five and four months respectively on 24 January because of their positive tests for nandrolone.
Suspended for all matches
The pair are now suspended for all matches, including friendly games, dating back from 22 November last year. Stam was suspended from football in Italy on 17 November. It was revealed he had failed an anti-doping test after the 13 October league match against Atalanta BC.
World Cup hopes
Guardiola was suspended on 22 November after testing positive following two separate matches - against Piacenza FC on 21 October and Lazio on 4 November. The former FC Barcelona player will be available to play for Spain at this summer's FIFA World Cup as, like Stam, he will be back playing in the spring.