The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) is to appeal against the AFL’s finding in case of suspended former St Kilda player Ahmed Saad.

The AFL Tribunal gave Saad an 18-month ban for testing positive to Methyl Synephrine HCL, which was in an energy drink he took before an AFL match earlier this year.

It is understood ASADA wants a two-year ban.

The AFL issued a statement on Thursday saying ASADA had notified them of their intention to appeal the finding handed down on November 26.

Saad has been advised of the appeal and the AFL appeals board will now sit at a date to be fixed.

Saad was delisted by St Kilda on November 14.