Lazaridis gets 12-month drug ban

Lazaridis joined Perth Glory from Birmingham in July 2006

Former Birmingham and West Ham winger Stan Lazaridis has been banned for 12 months after failing a drugs test.

The 35-year-old tested positive for the masking agent finasteride which he was taking in a bid to prevent hair loss.

In its judgement, the Football Federation of Australia said Lazaridis, now playing for Perth Glory, had not intended to cheat.

"To suggest Mr Lazaridis was a drug cheat would be doing him a very grave disservice indeed," it said.

The ban has been backdated to the date of the positive test so he will be eligible to play for Perth Glory again on 2 December.

"The tribunal 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," said FFA chief executive Ben Buckley.

"The problem related to the processes, which is why it is so important for all athletes to be vigilant."

Lazaridis spent four seasons at West Ham before joining Birmingham for a fee of £1.5m.

The Australian left St Andrews for Perth last year.

He had permission to use the drug, which he takes for alopecia, in England but failed to receive the necessary clearance in Australia until January this year - two months after he gave a positive drugs test.