April 28 – France and Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho looks certain to miss this summer’s Euros in his homeland – as well as the rest of the English domestic season – after accepting the result of a failed drug test.
Sakho tested positive for what is thought to be a type of fat burner after the Europa League win against Manchester United on March 17. He had until Tuesday to request a test of his B sample, but opted not to.
The defender and his club agreed he would remain unavailable while a UEFA investigation was carried out, ruling him out of the upcoming Europa League semifinal against Villarreal.
A cult figure this season for Liverpool after finally fulfilling his £18 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, Sakho scored in the thrilling Europa League quarterfinal win over Borussia Dortmund and again in the recent 4-0 thrashing of local rivals Everton.
Technically he could be barred for up to two years but is more likely to get a maximum six month ban even though UEFA has so far not opened any disciplinary proceedings against him.
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