Xavier vows to prove innocence

Middlesbrough defender Abel Xavier has vowed to prove his innocence.

The Portuguese star was suspended from all football on Monday by Fifa after testing positive following a routine drugs test.

Xavier was tested after Middlesbrough's Uefa Cup clash with Xanthi in Greece on September 29 and traces of a banned substance were found in his sample.

The former Liverpool and Everton man insists he never had any intention to "dope himself" and claims that he took a supplement to treat a virus.

Xavier revealed his 'A' sample had tested positive and he is set to have his 'B' sample tested next week and the player insists he is ready to undergo whatever tests to prove his innocence.

The statement from Xavier read: "As agreed with my employer, Middlesbrough FC yesterday evening informed the press that in the anti-doping control I had to undergo after the above-mentioned Uefa Cup match, I tested positive.

 "I hereby confirm this fact. This positive test result was found in the A-sample. In the course of next week, the B-sample will be analysed.

"I am convinced that there is a reasonable and entirely harmless explanation for such positive finding, should it be confirmed by the analysis of the B-sample.

"In order to furnish this proof, I currently undergo a number of tests in which certain of my body fluids and tissues are analysed.

"Given the fact that the anti-doping regulations establish a purely objective responsibility (the athlete is guilty as of the moment when the most minor trace of a prohibited substance is found in his body), I currently have - and this is not easy - to furnish scientific and factual proof to establish that if a prohibited substance is found in my body, this is by no means because I would have had the intention to `dope' myself. I have never had this intention.

"I sincerely trust, ladies and gentlemen of the press, that you understand that this work is not easy and assume that I am given the time to conduct the above-mentioned research and analyses under the best possible conditions.

"In this context, I am therefore not in a position to communicate with the press in more detail for the time being.

"However, I will certainly do so as soon as possible in order to prove, as I hope, my innocence, and my good faith."

If found guilty of the drugs offence Xavier could be handed a ban of up to two years.