Lama faces ban for cannabis use

FRENCH GOALKEEPER Bernard Lama is facing a two month ban alter the French Football Federation said yesterday that a second analysis…

FRENCH GOALKEEPER Bernard Lama is facing a two month ban alter the French Football Federation said yesterday that a second analysis of a sample given by the player in February had confirmed the presence of cannabis.

The 34 year old gave a positive test before France's friendly against the Netherlands on February 26th.

Lama, who is due to play for Paris St Germain in their European Cup Winners' Cup semifinal second leg against Liverpool next Thursday, had himself requested a second test of his sample, as he is permitted to do so under French rules.

Lama will be called before an FFF commission, at the end of this month or early in May, which has the power to suspend him for two months.

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If banned, Lama has two weeks to appeal the decision, and if he decides to do so he will be allowed to play for his club and country pending the outcome of the appeal.

Lama is the eighth French footballer to have tested positive for cannabis since 1995.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello, linked with his former club AC Milan next season, said yesterday he would not make a decision on his future until at least the middle of May.

Asked about reports that Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz had asked him to decide next Monday after Real's away match against Valencia, Capello said: "He must also have patience. Let's all stay calm, win the league as soon as possible and then I will decide. I also need to evaluate everything fully, for and against."

Juergen Klinsmann has told Parma to wait while he weighs up various offers from Spain and England for his services. "I have received an offer from Parma, but I've asked them to wait," said the Bayern Munich striker, who has announced he will be leaving Balvaria at the end of the season.

Klinsmann is believed to have stirred the interest of Real Madrid Everton West Ham and Nottingham Forest.