© EuroFootball.com
The doping test of Lisbon's "Sporting" and Portuguese national team defender Rui Jorge was positive. The player faces a six-month disqualification. This is painful news for the Euro 2004 hosts, as Rui Jorge is a key player in the lineup.
The 31-year-old player underwent the test on January 13th after Portuguese championship match with "Morreirense". It was officially confirmed that the result of the A sample was positive.
The player himself claimed that the results could have been influenced by medicines for inflammation of the nasal mucosa: "I had inflammation of the nasal mucosa and the doctor suggested using medication. I am very surprised by such test results and hope that it will not harm my future career."
The medical staff of the "Sporting" club took full responsibility for this mistake. Club doctor José Gomes Pereira says that these medicines are allowed, but the antidoping commission should be informed before using them.
