On Saturday, news surfaced that Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is facing investigation from European football’s governing body UEFA over an alleged failed drug test.
The Frenchman has been a vital member of the Reds’ backline, having made 34 appearances across all competitions this season, but could be in hot waters.
The alleged offence is in relation with a “fat-burning” substance, as written in the Guardian, the similar substance which landed team-mate Kolo Toure a six-month ban back in 2011.
“Yesterday, a formal communication was received from Uefa stating that they are investigating a possible anti-doping rule violation by Mamadou Sakho,” read a statement on Liverpool’s official website.
“The player will respond to Uefa on the matter.
“The player is currently not subject to any playing suspension. However, the club, in consultation with the player, has decided that while this process is followed the player will not be available for selection for matches.”
Best hide them drugs Sakhopic.twitter.com/UlyKMDoMIW
— Football Accumulator (@footballacca) April 23, 2016
Sakho talking to the doctor who gave him the test pic.twitter.com/ZThOjwUT60
— Anything Liverpool (@Anything_LFC) April 23, 2016
Mamadou Sakho has been suspended by Liverpool for a failed drugs test.
— FootballFacts101 (@FootballFact101) April 23, 2016
So who will replace Sakho? pic.twitter.com/PDcdgSSFQU
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) April 23, 2016
If Sakho failed a drug test after the man Utd game, why was he allowed to keep playing? Scored a vital goal to help knock Dortmund out.
— Akhil Vyas (@10akhil) April 23, 2016
So now we all know why Sakho has been half decent recently
— NW3Gooner (@NW3Gooner) April 23, 2016
Sakho is believed to have not known the composition of the supplement, and has informed the club he acted in good faith. #LFC (Echo)
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) April 23, 2016
Sakho suspended for a failed drugs test. Best friend is called Blaise. pic.twitter.com/gRlpw9o9K1
— Copa90 (@Copa90) April 23, 2016
This offence committed by the former PSG center-back is believed to be in relation with the club’s 2nd leg clash with rivals Manchester United in the Europa League, a game which Jurgen Klopp’s boys went on to win on 3-1 aggregate.
The 26-year-old has not been suspended, despite the hearsay on Twitter; nonetheless, after a discussion with owners Fenway Sports Group and the manager, a decision was made to not play the player in the near future.
Sakho, however, remains eligible to feature in Saturday’s clash with Newcastle at Anfield and Thursday’s Europa League semi-final tie with Villarreal, though it is unlikely that the player will take part in those two games.
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