According to L’Equipe Mamadou Sakho has been cleared of charges laid by UEFA regarding substance abuse.
In March 2016 Liverpool’s beloved defender Mamadou Sakho was called in for a drugs test after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Europa League round of 16. In late April news broke that Sakho had failed a drugs test and was it was realized he was using fat burners which was supposedly on UEFA’s “banned substance” list.
Kolo Touré faced a 6-month ban for using the same substance during his time at Manchester City, however that was a few years ago and his ban was dealt with by the FA, where as Sakho’s was to be dealt with by UEFA. Everyone was in the dark over how long Sakho would face, it started with a suspension by Liverpool with him not being selected the day the club drew 2-2 with Newcastle. Later, that would follow a 30-day suspension by UEFA which was for them to decide how long Sakho’s suspension would be and do further investigation on the substances Sakho had been using.
Today L’Equipe have reported that Sakho would not face any further punishment from UEFA as it was revealed the fat burners which Sakho was using were not on UEFA’s banned list of substances.
So, Sakho will not face any further punishment and every Liverpool fan (such as myself) is dancin around their living rooms chanted “Sakho, Sakho, Sakho.”
However, this doesn’t help the major fault in how UEFA dealt with things with them ultimately making Sakho miss the Europa League final, in which Liverpool lost 3-1. Could Sakho have made a difference and lead us on to win that game had he been available for selection? Sadly, we will never know. But it could potentially leave Liverpool wide open to take action against UEFA. Either way, I am over the moon Sakho is fine and I’m sure he’s eager to represent what he calls him the “Scouse Nation” and “Liverpool Country”. Welcome back Mama! We missed you!
Featured Image – Mirror UK