Mark Hovell on call for World Cup drug detection team

If the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 drug detection experts uncover any evidence of doping, one Manchester sports lawyer could be called into action.

Mark Hovell is on standby in case he is needed to work on any disputes that might arise during the event, reports Manchester Evening News.

He tells the publication: "My bags aren't packed, but I have got a spare toothbrush ready in case I get the call."

Mr Hovell would not fly to South Africa, however, but to FIFA headquarters in Geneva.

The actual drug detection work taking place in South Africa is making use of GC/MS equipment from Agilent Technologies.

Its technology was selected by the South African Doping Control Laboratory to improve the sensitivity and specificity of its testing processes.

Agilent's 7000 Series Triple Quadrupole GC/MS system has been adopted by the doping laboratory, with five gas chromatography-mass selective detectors adding to the arsenal in the fight against drugs at the 2010 World Cup.