Toure handed six-month ban

However Toure will be available for his club in September as the ban begins from March 2, the date of the start of his provisional suspension.

Toure is also to be target-tested for a period of two years, following an independent regulatory commission hearing convened at Wembley on Thursday by the Football Association.

The Ivory Coast international admitted the offence - his first - contrary to Regulation 3 of the FA Doping Regulations 210-11.

But the panel took into consideration the circumstances behind his use of water tablets belonging to his wife.

Headed up by Christopher Quinlan QC, the commission were satisfied Toure did not intend to enhance sporting performance or to mask the use of a performance-enhancing substance.

Source: PA

Source: PA