SYDNEY, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Former Australia international Stan Lazaridis has been banned for 12 months after failing a drugs test, the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) announced on Monday.
Lazaridis tested positive in November last year for the
banned substance finasteride - a masking agent - which was
present in medication he was taking to treat hair loss.
The former West Ham United and Birmingham City player's ban
would be backdated to the day of the test, which means he would
be available to play for his A-League club Perth Glory in
December, the FFA said.
'The tribunal made certain express findings regarding
Stan's good character which FFA welcomes,' FFA chief executive
Ben Buckley said in a statement.
'In particular, it found that Stan had not taken the
prohibited substance to mask a performance enhancing drug, but
for legitimate therapeutic purposes as prescribed by his
doctor.
'The problem related to the processes, which is why it is
so important for all athletes to be vigilant.'
Lazaridis, 35, made over 50 appearances for the Socceroos
and played his last match against Paraguay last year.
