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Welsh appeal against Titov looks to fail
The likelyhood of the appeal by the Football Association of Wales (FAW) against Russia's Yegor Titov looks likely to be turned down.
Titov tested positive to the banned substance Bromantan after the first playoff leg against Wales for Euro 2004. This however wasn't revealed until after the second leg in which Titov played a role in Russia's 1-0 win, the result determining who would progress to Euro 2004.
Wales manager Mark Hughes has called upon UEFA to dismiss the second leg result and replace it with the standard 3-0 result used to sanction teams for misconduct affecting a match result. Such a penalty would force Russia from the European finals and be replaced with Wales.
In what would be an unprecidented occurance, Titov's actions would see his country, his club and himself punished through fines and exclusions. However the fact there's no precedent means it's highly unlikely.
"It makes it fairly unlikely that the Welsh appeal will be upheld. There is no precedent. It is the player and the club who are held responsible," said UEFA spokes person Rob Faulkner (www.theworldgame.com.au)
With it likely to be dismissed, Wales will almost certainly appeal. This means UEFA's appeals board will be the ones to investigate and make s final decision.
Meanwhile FC Spartak Moscow (Titov's club) and Titov is also appealing his doping verdict, looking to have it either reduced or wiped completly. A date for this hearing is to be determined.
3 February, 2004 |
