BBC Sport Online: BBC Sport Online: Football

Stam to launch appeal

Stam says he has no idea how drug got into his system

The former Manchester United defender is set to appeal after being suspended.

And the Italian news agency Ansa is reporting that Stam plans to have his B-Sample tested in an attempt to prove he did not take the drug.

"That is the one certain thing about this whole mess - that I will fight to prove my innocence," the Dutchman wrote on the icons.com website.

"I do not want the name Jaap Stam to be associated with drugs.

"I am proud of what I have achieved in football, but I know that will always come second when people talk about Jaap Stam if I do not prove my innocence."

Stam's positive test was announced on Friday and he was suspended indefinitely from all sporting activity the following day.

The Dutch international denies having ever knowingly taken any illegal substance and still hopes to be able to play for his country.

I'm in the dark

"I'm sure you can understand that I'm in a state of limbo after this weekend's revelations and I really don't know what is going to happen next," he said.

"I do know that I'm banned from playing any league games for Lazio but beyond that, I'm in the dark.

"I assume there is an appeal process, but have no idea what the exact procedure is.

"Hopefully I will know more about how to clear my name this week."