THE PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS Association of Ireland (PFAI) this afternoon confirmed they are representing a player who has been charged with an anti-doping rule violation.

The PFAI say that the drug in question is of a “recreational nature” rather than a performance-enhancing substance.

The player has waived his right to have a B-sample tested but is still contesting the charge for reasons that remain confidential and the matter will now proceed to a disciplinary hearing.

“The player has a right to anonymity until the disciplinary process has been completed and we would ask all media, including those engaging in social media, to respect his privacy and allow the matter to reach a conclusion without further speculation or comment.”

If found guilty, the footballer would become the first in Ireland since Shane Grimes in 2012 to be suspended because of an anti-doping violation.

Grimes, then with Drogheda United, was given an eight month ban following a positive test for methylhexaneamine.

The PFAI state they will not be commenting further until all disciplinary procedures have been completed.

The comments on this article are closed because it is an on-going legal matter.

Mourinho: One mistake cost Chelsea, like Scotland in rugby

‘I don’t think about Man City’ – Van Gaal and Man United focused on Moscow mission