Beckham supports good friend Rio

David Beckham has vowed to support Rio Ferdinand "through thick and thin" as he fights a drugs test charge.

The England defender is expected to be charged by the Football Association today with deliberately missing the test on 23 September at Manchester United's training ground.

If he is found guilty, he could be banned from competitive football for a maximum of two years. England captain Beckham, Ferdinand's former United team-mate, pledged to stand by his friend whatever happens.

Beckham said: "You always hope that players don't get long bans. We will support him through thick and thin. That's what friends are for."

Such is the profile and seriousness of the case that it was formerly discussed by FIFA, world football's governing body, during a meeting in Zurich yesterday. Ferdinand and Beckham have stayed in regular contact since his £25million move to Real Madrid in the summer.

Beckham added: "Of course he is down about the whole situation but he will get through it, he is a strong lad."