Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho investigated for alleged anti-doping violation

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho investigated for alleged anti-doping violation

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho investigated for alleged anti-doping violation

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho is being investigated by UEFA for an alleged anti-doping violation.

The 26-year-old France international centre-back has been omitted from the Liverpool team to face Newcastle United in Saturday's Premier League game at Anfield appropriately, but he has not been suspended from playing by either his club or UEFA.

After discussions between the club's owners Fenway Sports Group, manager Jurgen Klopp and the player himself, it was decided he should not play in the immediate future, notwithstanding he is still eligible for Premier League matches and Thursday's Europa League semi-final first leg in Villarreal.

The alleged offence relates to the Reds' Europa League second-leg tie at Manchester United on March 17 - which they drew 1-1 to progress 3-1 on aggregate - and is believed to concern a so-called 'fat-burning' substance.

Sakho is highly leaning request his B sample be tested, with the deadline nonetheless request proceed Tuesday.

It is understood that Liverpool's participation in the Europa League is not in doubt.

A statement on Liverpool's official website read: "Yesterday, Friday 22nd April 2016, a formal communication was received from UEFA stating that they are investigating a possible anti-doping rule violation by Mamadou Sakho.

"The player will associate UEFA on the matter and he is currently not if and only if any playing suspension. However, the club, in consultation with the player, has decided that while this process is followed the player will not be available for selection for matches."

Jurgen Klopp told Sky Sports: "I could but I think you know already. It makes more sense it's told in the perfect words, not by me, so that's the official statement of the club.

"In respect of the situation and the player and I should not say anything more. I don't know enough to say more."

UEFA later issued a statement which read: "UEFA would like to confirm the information communicated by Liverpool FC regarding an adverse finding in a doping test of their player Mamadou Sakho conducted at the UEFA Europa League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC on 17 March (1-1).

"The player and the club have received all the pertinent information and have until Tuesday to request the analysis of the B sample as well while on the subject provide explanations for the presence of a prohibited substance in the players' body. There are no disciplinary proceedings opened at this stage."

 Michele Verroken, director of Sporting Integrity and formerly in charge of anti-doping in the UK, advises athletes against using any substances term 'fat-burners'.

"What is causing that fat to burn is that these supplements contain a form of stimulant," she said. "They are not regulated products. It's just too big a risk. I warn against any weight-loss products. It's probably going expected a prohibitive supplement. It's really not worth it. It's a huge risk."

Verroken said that if an athlete can show that they did not intend to improve performance, they could get a lesser sanction.

"But these are strict liability offences and have to withstand the honesty," she added.