Rui Jorge given the all-clear

By Diogo Teixeira

Portugal defender Rui Jorge will be able to play at UEFA EURO 2004™ after being cleared of doping offences.

Positive test
The Sporting Clube de Portugal player was suspended earlier this month after testing positive for an anti-allergy medicine, Pulmicort, contained within a nasal spray. However, Portugal's Professional Football League today cleared the player of any wrongdoing, claiming the matter related to a procedural problem and that there was no case to answer.

'No responsibility'
Sporting doctor Jose Gomes Pereira has accepted blame for not notifying the country's anti-doping council that he had prescribed the medicine, which is allowed if declared. "There was no responsibility on the part of the player," the league said.

February test
The Portuguese international, 31, was initially tested on 13 February after the SuperLiga fixture against Moreirense SC and it was confirmed on 23 April that the sample was positive. With the revelation on 4 May that the B sample had produced an identical result, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) suspended the player with immediate effect.

Madaíl reaction
Today FPF president Gilberto Madaíl said: "From what I read about the decision I think it's more than fair. I had no involvement in the process, I just asked the authorities to reach a decision as soon as possible."

Regular performer
Rui Jorge has been a regular under Luiz Felipe Scolari and is almost certain to figure in the Portugal coach's squad for the EURO 2004™ finals when it is named tomorrow. The defender has 41 caps, with his most recent appearance coming in last month's 2-2 draw with Sweden.

Scolari delight
Scolari said after the decision: "I am very happy. This news puts me in a very good position regarding my final squad which I will announce tomorrow."