RIO FREE TO PLAY

Last updated : 10 October 2003 By Editor

Rio can still play for United even if he is charged with misconduct for missing a drugs test.

He's due to attend an interview with officials from the Football Association on Monday, after which he is expected to be charged.

If he is to be banned at all, that suspension will only be imposed at the full FA disciplinary hearing.

It means Ferdinand should be available to play for Manchester United at his former club Leeds on October 18, the Champions League match at Rangers on October 22 and Fulham's visit to Old Trafford on October 25.

It is understood that both United and the FA are working on the assumption that Ferdinand will not be suspended during the time between the interview on Monday and a disciplinary hearing.