Drugs ban for Lazaridis

Former Birmingham and West Ham winger Stan Lazaridis has been banned for 12 months after failing a drugs test.

Lazaridis, who plays for A-League club Perth Glory, was sanctioned by the Football Federation of Australia after testing positive for the masking agent finasteride which he was taking in a bid to prevent hair loss.

The year-long ban will, however, be backdated to the day of the test in November 2006, meaning the 35-year-old will be eligible to return when the Glory meet Melbourne Victory on December 2.

FFA chief executive Ben Buckley said in a statement: "The tribunal made certain express findings regarding Stan's good character which FFA welcomes.

"In particular, it found that Stan had not taken the prohibited substance to mask a performance enhancing drug, but for legitimate therapeutic purposes as prescribed by his doctor.

"The problem related to the processes, which is why it is so important for all athletes to be vigilant."