Russian soccer officials have said they are shocked after Yegor Titov, one of the country's most recognized and influential players, failed a drug test.

The 27-year-old Spartak Moscow captain was handed a 12-month ban on Friday from all UEFA competition matches after he tested positive for the banned stimulant bromantan.

"This is a bombshell," Russian soccer chief Vyacheslav Koloskov told Sovietsky Sport newspaper on Saturday.

"I got home late on Friday and was ready to go to sleep when I received this news. It's just a nightmare."

Titov, who has 36 caps, tested positive after Russia's Euro 2004 qualifying playoff first leg against Wales in Moscow on November 15, when he was an unused substitute. He started the second leg in Cardiff on November 19.

Wales are considering whether to appeal against the result, which Russia won 1-0. Spartak say they will appeal against the decision and demand a second test.

The midfielder, who was also fined 6,400 euros (US$8,122) while Spartak received a 12,800-euro (US$16,240) fine, has declined to comment.

"I know about it but I will not say anything right now," he was quoted as saying by Sovietsky Sport.

Fellow international Alexander Mostovoi said: "I was as shocked as everyone.

"I haven't spoken to Yegor or anyone else on the team just yet because I only found out about it late last (Friday) night," he told reporters by telephone from Vigo, Spain.

"I think it's too early to blame Titov for this. We have to find out how it happened first.

"We have all been told players are suppose to know what they eat and drink, but it's not always possible," the Celta Vigo captain added.

"I know there was a case here in Spain a couple of years ago when one player failed a test after eating contaminated meat."

Spartak appeal

Spartak said Titov had been tested many times last year.

"The last time he gave a sample was on November 11 and it proved negative; therefore, it's very difficult to know how traces of bromantan were found in his system," the club said in a statement.

Club president Andrei Chervichenko said they would appeal.

"It's very difficult to comment on the case right now, but one thing is certain, we will appeal and demand a second test," he said.

The club said on the eve of the November 15 match that Titov had been given a flu remedy which may have contained the stimulant.

Titov is considered one of Russia's most disciplined players. The playmaker is a product of Spartak's youth system and made his premier league debut with the Moscow side in 1995.

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