Abel Xavier has formally appealed against his 18-month ban imposed for testing positive for an anabolic steroid.

UEFA have confirmed that the Middlesbrough defender has lodged an appeal with a hearing is likely to take place early in 2006.

The 32-year-old became the first Premiership player to be found to have taken performance-enhancing drugs when a routine test showed the presence of methandienone, also known as dianabol, a steroid mainly used by body-builders.

UEFA spokesman Rob Faulkner said: ''I can confirm that Abel Xavier has lodged an appeal against the decision of UEFA's control and disciplinary body.''

The test took place following his side's UEFA Cup match against Greek side Xanthi on September 29 and he was given the suspension at a personal hearing at UEFA headquarters in Nyon last week.

The former Portugal international is thought to have told UEFA's disciplinary body that he took the drug unknowingly after buying a supplement from the USA, that had been contaminated by the substance, in order to help recover from a virus.

Assistant manager Steve Round confirmed yesterday chief executive Keith Lamb would be releasing a statement - which is likely to come today - and, until then, Middlesbroiugh would be making no comment.

The club have yet to say what action they will take but it is thought that if Xavier's appeal fails then his contract will be terminated immediately.

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