Jake Livermore

is set to avoid suspension by the English Football Association after testing positive for cocaine following a random drug test.

The game's governing body is expected to confirm extraordinary, extenuating circumstances persuaded them of the case for leniency after it emerged the Hull City midfielder had taken the drug while suffering from severe depression prompted by the death of his new-born baby in May 2014.

The 25-year-old failed the test following Hull's Premier League game at Crystal Palace in April and was immediately suspended by his club pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing which finally took place last week.

It was originally thought Livermore could be set for the maximum two-year ban which is the customary sanction for professional footballers testing positive for a Class A drug, but the night out during which he took cocaine came only days after the conclusion of an inquest into his baby’s death.

Given the ethical complexities surrounding the case, the FA is understood to have decided an immediate return to football would offer Livermore and his family the best hope of rebuilding their lives. They may however impose a form of “suspended sentence” whereby the former Tottenham player would face severe punishment in the event of any future transgressions.

Hull will not comment until the FA confirm their position.

Guardian Service