Mamadou Sakho Faces 30-Day Ban For Failed Drug Test

Mamadou Sakho has been given a 30-day ban by UEFA, as the organisation opens disciplinary proceedings against him for a failed drug test.

Sakho tested positive for a fat burner after Liverpool’s Europa League second leg face-off against Manchester United in the last-16 stage back in March.

The defender therefore faces a short provisional suspension until a final decision is made.

If the Frenchman does receive a lengthier ban, which is very possible given the history of bans handed down to other players for similar offenses, he will miss the summer’s Euro 2016 tournament.

A statement released by the UEFA read: “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 March 17.

“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.”