Middlesbrough have confirmed that defender Abel Xavier's contract has been terminated as he continues his fight against a drugs ban.

The 33-year-old Portugal international failed a drugs test after Boro's 0-0 Uefa Cup draw with Xanthi in Greece on September 29th and was subsequently suspended for 18 months.

Xavier, who joined Boro on a 12-month contract earlier this season, lost an appeal in December and although he has vowed to continue his fight by taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the Teessiders have moved to end their involvement with the player.