Fernández leaves Timbers after failing substance abuse program

The announcement of Fernández's departure was officially made by the Timbers last night through a statement after being notified of the final decision by the MLS.

The decision was made because Fernández, 25, did not comply with the league's substance abuse and healthy behavior program.

The league's rules allow MLS to terminate a player's contract if they violate the anti-doping program, as well as being subject to sanctions for testing positive for a banned substance, non-compliance, or refusing to undergo a drug test as required by the agreement.

In addition, according to several media sources, the MLS also plans to sue Fernández's former team, the Necaxa of the Liga MX.

The basis of the lawsuit was not immediately clear, but it seems unlikely that the Timbers or MLS will be able to recover part of the money spent on Fernández's signing, unless Necaxa admits that they did not disclose relevant information during the transfer process.

Fernández, 25, joined the Timbers in May after the club acquired him from Necaxa for a record transfer fee ranging between $10 and $12 million.

Necaxa had acquired the young Argentine forward for five million dollars.

Fernández had an immediate impact in Portland, scoring five goals in his first six games after making his debut in Houston against the Dynamo on May 15, marking his first goal in the MLS.

He then scored 11 goals in 16 regular-season games (19 appearances).

But Fernández only scored once in his last seven appearances with the Timbers in the regular season, as his playing time was limited due to what the team referred to as health issues caused by a stomach virus.

Now it seems that his loss of form and absences were related to Fernández's off-field problems.

There were rumors that Fernández was exhibiting erratic behavior and had missed training sessions.

The Argentine player voluntarily entered the league's substance abuse and healthy behavior program in early October before returning to the Timbers.

Upon his return, Fernández continued working with the anti-doping program doctors, as well as training alone at the club's facilities, but did not participate in team training sessions.

Fernández did not play in the final game of the regular season against the San Jose Earthquakes on October 6 while serving a red card suspension. He then missed Portland's lone playoff game after entering the anti-doping program.