3. Rio Ferdinand For Missing A Drugs Test 8 Month Ban
Rio Ferdinand has had many controversial moments off the pitch in his career, including sexual assault allegations, criticism from gay rights campaigners, and driving bans. But the moment which affected his career the most was the day he missed his drugs test at Manchester Uniteds Carrington training ground in 2003. Although he had left after training to go shopping, Ferdinand did try to return to take the test, but he was told it was too late. Despite passing the test the next day, the FA were having none of it, and decided to ban him from club and international
for 8 months, meaning he would miss Euro 2004, a decision which has led to him never representing England in a European Championship. The ban came along with a hefty £50,000 fine. Mark Bosnich and Adrian Mutu were handed out similar lengthy bans around this period for failing drug tests.