Pubdate: Thu, 08 Sep 2005
Source: Chester Chronicle (UK)
Copyright: owned by or licensed to Trinity Mirror Plc 2005
Contact:  
http://iccheshireonline.icnetwork.co.uk/chroniclenewspapers/chesterchronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3212
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing)

CHELSEA CHARGED OVER DRUG TESTING

Chelsea have been charged with misconduct by the Football Association for 
allegedly carrying out their own drugs tests on players.

The FA do not allow clubs to test their own players independently in case 
it leads to incidents where clubs could try to cover up drug usage by squad 
members.

There is no suggestion that Chelsea, who have twice had high-profile 
players test positive for cocaine within the last three years, have 
attempted any sort of cover-up, but they are said by the FA to have tested 
some of their players independently on July 12 last year.

The FA have charged Chelsea for allegedly breaching regulation 1(e) of 
their doping control regulations.

The rules state: "The independent private testing/screening of players by 
clubs, club officials or any other person subject to Football Association 
rules is prohibited.

"Such testing/screening will be regarded as conduct that would interfere 
with the Football Association's doping control programme ... and penalties 
may be imposed accordingly...".

Chelsea have until September 23 to respond to the FA charge.

The London club have taken a strong line against drugs in the past, sacking 
striker Adrian Mutu in October last year for taking cocaine - the same 
action they took against Australian keeper Mark Bosnich in January 2003, 
also for testing positive for cocaine.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom