Liverpool football player Mamadou Sakho suspended for 30 days as UEFA open doping allegation investigation

Mamadou Sakho has been suspended by UEFA for 30 days, while European football’s governing body fully investigates his doping violation. The French defender, 26, will now miss the remainder of the Reds campaign following his failed drugs test, which came after the 1-1 Europa League last 16 draw against Manchester United. 

Sakho failed the routine test and is facing a charge relating to UEFA's doping violation charter.

He had until Tuesday to request a test of the B sample after his initial sample tested positive for a substance on WADA's banned list - but elected to accept UEFA's initial findings by not making a request.

It is understood he took a fat burning product to hone his physique, and it is likely he will offer an explanation suggesting he was unaware the supplement contained a banned substance.

The defender is facing a two year suspension, but under the WADA code is highly likely to face a reduced because of the nature of the substance.

After accepting the charge, a six-month ban is likely - similar to that handed to Sakho’s current teammate, Kolo Toure, when he failed a drugs test during his time at Manchester City in 2011.

Liverpool have been pro-active in their response to the incident, co-operating fully with both UEFA and the FA. Ahead of today’s decision, the Reds had already stood Sakho down from their match day squad on a voluntary basis.

The club will not face any disciplinary action themselves, whatever the outcome, as action can only be taken against a club should two players be found guilty of doping violations in the same season.

A UEFA statement declared:

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

"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 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."