Flachi tests positive for drugs in counter analysis

| Fri, 03/23/2007 - 06:22

Sampdoria striker and captain Francesco Flachi has again tested positive for cocaine, his lawyer said on Thursday.

Flachi, 31, was found to have a cocaine metabolite in his body after a 2-0 home defeat to Inter on January 28.

Results of the second so-called counter-analysis performed by the Italian Olympic Committee's doping lab on Wednesday again showed the presence of cocaine, lawyer Paolo Rodella said.

CONI's anti-doping panel, expected to question the striker within the next two weeks, will then forward a full report to the Soccer League's disciplinary board.

League sources said Flachi could face a ban of up to two years.

Last September the striker was suspended for two months following allegations he helped gather information for gamblers.

Ten years ago he was briefly placed under police investigation for alleged possession of cocaine with intent to sell.

Last year, Siena midfielder Jonathan Bachini was banned from professional soccer for life after testing positive for cocaine twice, once in 2004 and again in 2005.

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