Juventus and Holland midfielder Edgar Davids again tested positive for steroids yesterday after his second urine sample was analysed. The Italian Olympic Committee confirmed the result in Rome. The result, confirming the finding of the first test which revealed traces of banned steroid nandrolone in David's sample, means the matter will be subject to disciplinary procedure.

In previous cases of this nature players have been suspended pending resolution of the matter. Davids is a crucial member of the Dutch side. On June 2nd, Holland visit Estonia in their World Cup Group Two qualifier while they are due in Dublin to play the Republic of Ireland on September 1st. Dutch international Frank de Boer has also failed a test for nandrolone.

Davids, who has denied taking any banned substance, tested positive after the match with Udinese on March 4th. He is the biggest name so far implicated by the new Italian anti-doping offensive. Earlier this week football investigators demanded a 16-month ban on Lazio's Portuguese defender Fernando Couto for an alleged similar offence. Couto denies the charges.