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.”