UEFA dismisses Sakho’s dope case

Proceedings against Liverpool and France defender, Mamadou Sakho, relating to a doping violation have been dismissed.
The 26-year-old was forced to sit out the final months of the Reds’ campaign, culminating in a Europa League final defeat to Sevilla, while also missing out on contention for a place in Les Bleus’ Euro 2016 squad.
Sakho tested positive for a fat-burning substance that was on UEFA’s banned list, which initially saw him handed a 30-day ban before the European governing body conducted a further investigation.
It had been argued by the Frenchman’s lawyers that the substance should not have been placed on the banned list, however, paving the way for a hearing to be held in front of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body in Paris on Thursday afternoon.
A UEFA statement read: “The independent UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) met in Paris and has reached a decision relating to the proceedings instigated against Liverpool FC player Mamadou Sakho, following the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second-leg match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC (1-1), played on 17 March 2016.
“The proceedings against Mr. Sakho related to a violation of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations after the player failed a doping test at the above-mentioned match.
“Following a hearing with the lawyers of the player and experts of the WADA-accredited laboratories on this case, the CEDB has decided to dismiss the case.”
Sakho, who faced a lengthy ban had he been deemed to have breached UEFA’s doping rules, is now free to resume playing for club and country.