INTERNATIONAL

• Croatian striker Olic avoids suspension

  
  

  Lisbon, Portugal (Sports Network) - Croatian striker Ivica Olic was not punished despite testing positive for a banned substance at EURO 2004 in Portugal.

  Olic tested positive after using a painkiller that includes the banned substance methylprednisolone. UEFA's control and disciplinary board chose to fine the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) instead of suspending Olic.

  The 24-year-old Olic tested positive following Croatia's match against France on Thursday. The CSKA Moscow star came on a substitute in that match, which finished in a 2-2 draw.

  Olic was taking the painkiller due to a rib injury he suffered in a friendly earlier this month. The use of the drug would have been allowed if the Croatian doctor, Zoran Bahtijarevic, had applied for an exemption. Bahtijarevic was issued a warning for his failure to report the drug use.

  Croatia has an important Group B match against England on Monday. A win by the Croats would send them on to the quarterfinals of the competition.

  06/20 11:36:32 ET