RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 28: Former Brazilian star striker Romario has been hit with a

120 days ban after failing a doping test.

The 41-year-old 1994 World Cup hero, tested positive for the anti-balding drug finasteride on October 28 after he had coached his new club Vasco de Gama in a league game against Palmeiras.

Finasteride is black-listed as it can be used as a masking agent for performance-enhancing substances.

The start of the 120 days ban was back-dated to December 18, but the case will be heard again betwen January 24-31 in order to ascertain whether or not it stands. —AFP