Verroken's future is uncertain

The future of Britain's leading anti-doping official, Michele Verroken, seemed uncertain yesterday after it was confirmed that she has been given extended leave from UK Sport.

That followed Wednesday's announcement that UK Sport's chief executive, Richard Callicott, had resigned. Suggestions that Verroken had been held responsible for leaking Rio Ferdinand's failure to attend a drugs test in October were, however, incorrect.

The uncertainty over Verroken is more to do with clashes of personality with senior staff inside UK Sport, not least with Callicott, and the arrival of a new chairman, Sue Campbell, who has been given the task of reforming the organisation. A UK Sport spokesman said: "Michele is on leave and unavailable for the time being. In her absence John Scott is handling anti-doping matters."

Scott is director of international relations and major events at UK Sport, the body which oversees drug testing in sport, helps to bid for and stage major events, and aids the development of élite athletes.

A Chinese footballer has tested positive for the banned substance ephedrine, the first case of doping in the country's professional league.

Zhang Shuai, who plays for Beijing Hyundai, could face a ban of two to four years and a fine of up to 10,000 yuan (£680) after an initial urine sample tested positive. Zhang, a prospect for China's team for next year's Olympics, said he had ingested the substance by accident in cold medicine.