Ferdinand, who was signed for a whopping £30 million from Leeds in 2002, was prohibited from playing football for 8-months in the winter after not attending a random drugs test at United's Carrington training ground and has had his appeal rejected.

The statement released by The Disciplinary Commission read: "The Disciplinary Commission sat on the 18 and 19 of December 2003 to hear the charge of misconduct brought against Rio Ferdinand in respect of an allegation that, on the 23 September 2003, he failed or refused to submit to a drugs test procedure required to be undertaken by the officials of UK Sport as agents for The Football Association and under the supervision of The Football Association Supervising Officer."

"The Disciplinary Commission heard submissions made on behalf of Rio Ferdinand and The Football Association, considered the documentary evidence and the testimony of witnesses to the events surrounding the charge"

"The Disciplinary Commission unanimously found that the charge was proved against Rio Ferdinand."

"It was further decided he would be suspended for a period of 8 months with effect from Monday 12 January 2004 and be fined the sum of £50,000."

"Having requested a personal hearing he was ordered to pay the full costs of the hearing."