Multiple choice general knowledge sports Why was Rio Ferdinand banned for 8 months in January 2004? He failed a drug test Because he missed a routine drug test He punched a fan during a match He assaulted a referee Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself B Correct answer Explanation Rio Ferdinand received an 8-month ban for missing a scheduled drug test in September 2003, not for failing a test. The ban was controversial because he claimed he forgot due to moving houses, but anti-doping rules are strict about missing tests.