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Francesco Flachi's `B' sample tests positive for cocaine

Sampdoria captain Francesco Flachi faces a long-term ban after his backup urine sample tested positive for cocaine.

Flachi, 31, was provisionally suspended last month by the Italian soccer league after traces of the drug were found in his system following Sampdoria's 2-0 home defeat to Serie A leader Inter Milan on Jan. 28.

Analysis of his "B" sample also came back positive, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said yesterday.

Flachi will be called before CONI's anti-doping committee, after which the league will decide the length of his ban.

A serious doping violation can lead to bans of up to two years.

Flachi was also suspended for two months by the league in September for illegal betting.

Goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is set to miss the first leg of Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final against AC Milan after picking up a one match ban from UEFA.

outburst

European soccer's governing body handed down the punishment following an outburst by the German during a post-match doping control.

Kahn has admitted losing his temper during the control which followed Bayern's first knockout round victory over Real Madrid but has given no further details.

He also sent a written apology to UEFA prior to Thursday's hearing.

fine

UEFA also fined Kahn 12,339 euros (US$16,490) and gave a 6,171 euro fine to his Brazilian team mate Lucio, who was present at the doping test.

The players can appeal against the punishments within three days of receiving the written grounds from UEFA.
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