FIFA POKE THEIR NOSES IN

Last updated : 28 October 2003 By editor

The pressure on the Football Association to charge Rio Ferdinand for his missed drugs test intensified last night when a high-ranking FIFA official revealed that the Manchester United defender's case was due to be discussed by medical experts at the world governing body today.

It was the second time that Dr Michel D'Hooghe, the chairman of FIFA's medical committee, has referred to the Ferdinand case in a clear sign that the governing body could be prepared to intervene should they feel that the FA are too lenient when they discipline the England international.

D'Hooghe said: "I cannot say what will be the final decision of the committee but the case of Rio Ferdinand is among a number of matters that will be discussed. We will look at the case and how it has been addressed already, but there will be no decisions announced or recommendations made until after the meeting."