Stam ban cut by a month
Friday, February 8, 2002
Article summary
Jaap Stam's suspension was cut by one month to four by the Italian Olympic Committee on Friday.
Article body
Spain midfield player Josep Guardiola's doping suspension has been ratified at four months while Dutch international Jaap Stam's has been reduced by one month to four, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said on Friday.
Suspensions backdated
Both players, whose suspensions had been backdated to start on 22 November, tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone earlier in the season. Guardiola, who plays for Brescia Calcio, and S.S. Lazio defender Stam were also fined €50,000 by the Italian league's disciplinary commission.
FIFA decision
The players can be tested without warning in the future and have no right to appeal, CONI said in a statement. Their suspensions were extended worldwide by FIFA, the world game's governing body, on Wednesday.
Suspended from 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.
'Belongs to the past'
Brescia return?
Two incidents
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 2002 FIFA World Cup.
