Kenedy hit with ban

CS Marítimo midfield player Daniel Kenedy has been suspended for 18 months in Portugal after three consecutive positive doping tests.

Sent home
The player, who had already been out of action for five months, will now have to spend another 13 months on the sidelines. Kenedy has been banned since May, when he was sent home from Portugal's pre-FIFA World Cup training camp.

Tests carried out
Routine tests had allegedly found traces of a banned substance in his system, although the player claimed he had only taken slimming pills to control his weight while on holiday. He said he took them as he had not expected to be called into the 23-man squad by his country.

'Perfect conscience'
The suspension, made today by the Portuguese Football Federation  [FPF] disciplinary committee, was met with dismay by Kenedy. "I have a perfect conscience that I have not taken the product to boost my sporting performances and those who know me will acknowledge that I would not ever go that way," he said.

Appeal considered
Kenedy's lawyer Afonso Velosa has said he will appeal to the FPF's justice committee. The 28-year-old has never played a full international for Portugal.