FA play down Sven comments

The Swede criticised The FA for failing to deal with Ferdinand's missed drugs test quicker and also agreed with Fifa president Sepp Blatter that the Manchester United star should have been suspended until the matter was resolved.

FA spokesman Adrian Bevington has played down Eriksson's reported comments insisting that things were taken out of context.

"Sven has made his views very clear publicly over the past few weeks and it isn't a direct criticism of anyone at the FA," said Bevington.

"He believes very strongly that the process should be speeded up.

"I have had many conversations with Sven about this and in my view he isn't saying Rio should face a lengthy ban.

"He is saying his case should be dealt with a lot quicker and players shouldn't have to go three months, playing on, before the case is dealt with."