Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has suffered for the wrong reasons in the hands of UEFA governing body after doping allegations saw him sidelined since March, 2016.
Image: Mamadou Sakho
Latest news on the case confirm the player will not face any further action in relation to an anti-doping violation. In this regard, UEFA have officially announced that proceedings against the Liverpool marshal have been dismissed. But not without painful regrets.
Sakho’s interim ban caused him to miss both his club’s Europa League final defeat to Sevilla and the chance to be selected for France’s Euro 2016 squad.
In an unfortunate twist of events, the France international tested positive for a ‘fat burner’ after Liverpool’s Europa League tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford in March. He thereafter, served an initial 30-day suspension.
It’s sad that he had to stop playing active football since the incident as UEFA launched an investigation into the case.
Though the ban was not extended by the football governing body which said it was carrying out a decision-making process to confirm whether the substance Sakho took should even be on the banned list, UEFA announced on Friday that the case has been dismissed.
Image: Mamadou Sakho
While the doping case lasted, the center-back is said to have remained calm. He has always maintained that he had not done anything wrong. Now his statements have been confirmed as true though he has suffered a hit on his career but most important is the fact that he has now been justified.
Mamadou said: “I am happy that this is finally over. It’s been a difficult time for me but I knew I had done nothing wrong. I am looking forward to getting back in the team and playing again.”
An official statement from UEFA read: “The independent UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary Body (CEDB) met in Paris and has reached a decision relating to the proceedings instigated against Liverpool player Mamadou Sakho, following the Europa League round of 16 second-leg match between Manchester United and Liverpool 1-1), played on 17 March 2016.
“The proceedings against Mr Sakho related to a violation of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations after the player failed a doping test at the above-mentioned match.
“Following a hearing with the lawyers of the player and experts of the WADA-accredited laboratories on this case, the CEDB has decided to dismiss the case.”
Image: Mamadou Sakho
Jurgen Klopp led side added in a statement: “Liverpool Football Club welcomes today’s decision from UEFA to dismiss the case against Mamadou Sakho, confirming that he did not commit any doping violation.
“We are pleased for Mamadou that he can now resume his playing career.”
Meanwhile, the defender had made a god use of his time doing charity works around Africa. These are the few comments from his FaceBook page:
