Football
ESPN staff 8y

Liverpool's Mamadou Sakho given FIFA world ban for anti-doping violation

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has had his 30-day suspension for an anti-doping violation extended worldwide by FIFA.

Sakho, 26, was initially banned by UEFA after testing positive for what is reported to have been a type of fat burner after the Europa League tie at Manchester United in March.

FIFA has now extended that ban, meaning the France international, who was stood down from first-team duty by Liverpool, will be unable to play in friendly matches for his country.

A FIFA statement read: "The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the sanction imposed on 28 April 2016 by the chairman of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body of UEFA on the French player Mamadou Sakho for an anti-doping rule violation to have worldwide effect in accordance with article 136 ff. of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

"As a consequence, Mr Sakho is provisionally suspended worldwide for 30 days as of 28 April 2016 in accordance with the terms of the decision passed by the chairman of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body of UEFA. This suspension covers all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures.

"The decision of the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was notified today to The Football Association Ltd., the French Football Association and UEFA."

Sakho chose not to challenge the results of the test, while Liverpool opted not to appeal the 30-day suspension from UEFA, which is pending further investigation.

The defender could be ruled out of Euro 2016 in France, which starts on June 10, should UEFA's investigation find him guilty.

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