Two DPRK players fail doping tests

Jong_Sun_Song_08-07-11

By David Gold

July 8 – FIFA has announced that two North Korean players have been suspended after failing drugs tests during the women’s World Cup.

Jong Sun Song (pictured) and Sim Pok Jong tested positive, with the rest of the North Korean squad subjected to a drugs test after their game with Colombia on Wednesday, which drew 0-0, and saw both sides exit the competition.

Earlier this week it was confirmed that Colombia’s goalkeeper Yineth Varon was suspended after failing a test taken in Leverkusen last month.

“The target testing of the entire North Korea team was coordinated with WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency),” world football’s governing body said in a statement.

“FIFA would like to emphasise once again its determination to keep football free of doping.

“It is FIFA’s duty and will to protect players from harm and ensure that footballers can compete on an even playing field.

“FIFA’s anti-doping strategy relies on education and prevention, as well as on respect for the dignity and privacy of each player who is subject to testing.”

North Korea failed to score a goal on their way out of the competition.

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