DRUG-testing procedures in sport have been ridiculed again after Ex-Hammer Stan Lazaridis bizarrely finds himself banned . . . for using hair loss treatment!

Former Australian intrernational Lazaridis has been banned for 12 months for failing a doping test, but will be able to play in his country's domestic competition later this season.

Lazaridis tested positive to the prohibited substance finasteride in November 2006, and was suspended following a lengthy legal process that included a formal hearing of Football Federation Australia's anti-doping tribunal in May.

’Skippy’ was informed on Monday (Aug 27) he will banned for a year, backdated to the date of his positive test.

That means the former West Ham and Birmingham City winger will be unable to play for the Perth Glory until the round 15 A-League match against reigning champions Melbourne Victory on December 2.

Lazaridis' positive test resulted from treatment he was receiving for alopecia — a condition he disclosed and was accepted by football authorities on his arrival back in Australia last year.

A statement from the FFA said the case illustrated the importance of athletes complying strictly with the regulations and procedures governing anti-doping.

"The tribunal made certain express findings regarding Stan's good character which FFA welcomes," said FFA chief executive Ben Buckley. "In particular it found that Stan had not taken the prohibited substance to mask a performance-enhancing drug, but for legitimate therapeutic purposes as prescribed by his doctor.

"The problem related to the processes, which is why it is so important for all athletes to be vigilant."

Lazaridis, who had arrived back in Australia from England in 2006 to play for Perth, tested positive in November of last year. Despite having permission to use the drug in England, he was only given the formal go ahead to use the drug by Australian authorities in January of this year — two months after the positive test.