Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has been given an initial 30-day suspension by UEFA while they open their investigation into his doping violation.
That means the Frenchman will not play for us again this season, with the ban ruling him out of May 18th’s Europa League final should we get to Basel.
The 26-year-old failed a drugs test following our 1-1 draw with Manchester United last month, and chose not to provide a B sample before Tuesday’s deadline.
SEE MORE: Mamadou Sakho will not challenge failed drugs test, so guaranteed lengthy suspesion
It is understood by The Mirror and other sources that Sakho was taking a fat burning product which contained something on WADA’s banned substance list.
According to The Mirror, he is likely to use his ignorance as his defence as he aims to avoid a lengthier suspension – the maximum sentence being four years.
This 30-day ban is little but protocol. Sakho was unlikely to play again this season because Liverpool are declining to select him while the investigation is ongoing.
The true severity of Sakho’s punishment will only become clear once the investigation has concluded, but it is not looking good for the player or Liverpool at this stage.
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