Liverpool defender Sakho suspended for 30 days for doping

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho was on Thursday provisionally suspended for 30 days by European football's governing body (UEFA) after it opened disciplinary proceedings against him following a failed drugs test.

The suspension will commence immediately until a final decision is taken by UEFA's disciplinary body.

The 26-year-old tested positive for a banned substance after his team's Europa League win against Manchester United on 17 March.

He chose not to challenge the results.

The date of a disciplinary hearing will be announced at a later stage.

The France international and his club had already agreed he would remain unavailable while a Uefa investigation was completed.

A statement issued by UEFA on Thursday said: "Disciplinary proceedings have been 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.

"The proceedings relate to a violation of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations, after the player failed a doping test at the above mentioned match."

"The player did not request the analysis of the B sample. UEFA has now suspended the player provisionally for 30 days until a final decision is taken by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body."

"The date of the disciplinary hearing will be announced at a later stage."

--IANS

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