Xavier trying to clear his name The 32-year-old Portugal international released a statement on Tuesday night confirming that his ‘A’ sample had tested positive following his side’s 0-0 UEFA Cup draw with Skoda Xanthi in Greece on September 29. Xavier’s ‘B’ sample will be tested next week and the player has agreed to undergo a series of further tests in a bid to clear his name. The statement from Xavier read: "As agreed with my employer, Middlesbrough FC yesterday [Monday] 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." Dunno why he did it in the first place he is still a good defender and has a few years left in his career
Re: Xavier trying to clear his name did what? there's no final verdict as yet and there are unlimited reasons why someone can trace positive for a banned substance... ...if he is guilty tho he should be sacked and punished, but innocent until proven guilty
"Sources closes to Xavier have suggested any illegal substance could have been contained in a supplement he was taking to combat a virus." theres one possibility straight away...
