Shakhtar midfielder Fred has doping ban extended worldwide
ZURICH --
FIFA has extended Brazil midfielder Fred's doping ban worldwide, ruling him out of four months of matches for Shakhtar Donetsk.
Fred tested positive for the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide last year during the Copa America in Chile. The South American confederation imposed a one-year ban in December - backdated to June 2 - but it only applied only to CONEMBOL-sanctioned matches.
FIFA's disciplinary committee has now extended the ban. Because of the Ukrainian league's winter break, Shakhtar's next competitive match will be Feb. 18 in the Europa League.
FIFA says ''this suspension covers all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures.''
Fred had continued playing for Shakhtar, including 10 Champions League matches, while awaiting the verdict.
