Football: BLATTER SLAMS FA OVER RIO

FIFA president Sepp Blatter plans to write to the Football Association demanding to know why Rio Ferdinand has been allowed to continue playing for Manchester United after failing to attend a random drugs test.

And Blatter is questioning the validity of United's results since it emerged that Ferdinand had missed the test.

Ferdinand was charged by the FA last month after missing the test at United's training ground in September.

Ferdinand has requested a hearing but no date has been set yet.

"He cannot play until the case is settled," Blatter told Sky Sports News in Dubai last night. "How can you now settle this case when he has played and what do you do with the results after that?

"I will write a very strong letter to the FA to ask for some explanations because otherwise we will lose our credibility, especially in (the case of) doping."

Ferdinand was dropped by England over the missed drugs test before their October 11 Euro 2004 decider in Turkey.

However, he has since played for United eight times in domestic and European competition, five times after he was charged on October 29.

Adrian Bevington, the FA's head of media relations, responded to Blatter's criticism last night.

He said: "We'll be happy to discuss any issue at any time with Mr Blatter. We have good relations with FIFA and UEFA.

"However, with regard to disciplinary matters, as of this moment players are entitled to continue playing for their clubs until cases are heard and concluded."

United refused to comment last night, but Ferdinand is in their squad for today's Premiership clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

WE NEED A GEORGE BEST: Pages 94-95

FERGIE WARNING FOR CHELSEA:

Pages 88-89

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