Sports.

Macedonian Australian Former Socceroos flyer and Perth Glory star Stan Lazaridis has tested positive to a banned substance, the A-League club has confirmed.

The 34-year-old winger has received notice from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) of a positive finding on a test sample taken in November 2006.

Lazaridis tested positive for finasteride, a substance used in treatment for hair loss, which may also act as a masking agent.

The club said Lazaridis had been using the substance as treatment for a medical condition and was granted a therapeutic-use exemption from the Australian Sports Drug Medical Advisory Committee (ASDMAC) in January 2007.

But he could face punishment because he did not have the consent at the time the test sample was taken.

The club said in a statement: "The prescribed treatment contains a substance which may act as a masking agent and as such is prohibited under Football Federation Australia's (FFA) anti-doping policy."

"Perth Glory FC will support Lazaridis through the process. He also has the support of the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and has engaged Senior Legal Counsel."

Lazaridis returned from a successful 11-year stint playing in England with West Ham and Birmingham to join the Glory on a two-year deal last season.

However, he played only 11 games for the West Australian club with his season curtailed by a groin injury.

Football Federation Australia's outgoing head of operations Matt Carroll has confirmed Lazaridis' positive and said the governing body would have more details on the matter Wednesday.

MD: We don't think he did it. It's certainly not a nice way to end your career! Good luck to him!

[www.theworldgame.com.au]

Posted by Macedonia Daily on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 at 12:02 am | Permalink