Liverpool have provisionally suspended defender Mamadou Sakho for failing a drugs test. RMC Sport in France broke the news at lunchtime that Sakho had tested positive for a banned substance found in a fat burner that he had taken "for purely personal and therapeutic interest to remove his fat".
The club responded by releasing the following statement:
Yesterday, Friday 22nd April 2016, a formal communication was received from UEFA stating that they are investigating a possible anti-doping rule violation by Mamadou Sakho.
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.
There will be no further comment at this time.
Liverpool have not confirmed which substance Sakho tested positive for but reports in France suggest it was a fat burner.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) April 23, 2016
Sakho's drugs test took place after Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Manchester United on March 17th.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) April 23, 2016
No formal suspension as yet, but Sakho agreed with Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp not to be selected while process ongoing,
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) April 23, 2016
possible anti-doping rule relates to fat burning tablets/pills
— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) April 23, 2016
Sakho will ask for B sample to be tested. He must respond by Tuesday.
Game was March 17 not March 10— paul joyce (@_pauljoyce) April 23, 2016
Sakho's Liverpool teammate Kolo Toure failed a drugs test back in 2011, having taken one of his wife's diet pills.
The loss of Sakho on the field is a blow to Liverpool, as he had been in fine form alongside Dejan Lovren in central defence, and was on the scoresheet against Borussia Dortmund and Everton.
More to follow.
