UEFA have decided to dismiss doping proceedings against Mamadou Sakho and therefore, the French international is free to continue his Liverpool career.
Having allegedly failing a drug test after the clash with Manchester United in Europa League, Sakho was forced to play a waiting game that caused him to miss out on both the Europa League final and also representing his country at Euro 2016.
On Thursday, Sakho appeared before the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body at a special hearing in Paris, where if found guilty, he could have faced a lengthy ban away from football and likely the end to his Liverpool career.
However, with the decision being as it is, Sakho is likely to join up with the squad for the rest of the pre-season at earliest convenience.
Following the verdict the UEFA had the following statement:
“The independent UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) met in Paris and has reached a decision relating to the proceedings instigated against Liverpool FC player Mamadou Sakho, following the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second-leg match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC (1-1), played on 17 March 2016.
“The proceedings against Mr. Sakho related to a violation of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations after the player failed a doping test at the above-mentioned match.
“Following a hearing with the lawyers of the player and experts of the WADA-accredited laboratories on this case, the CEDB has decided to dismiss the case.”
The verdict could have seen Liverpool in the market for a new centre back. However, now with Sakho cleared, Klopp will have some good options at that position with the likes of Joel Matip, Sakho, Dejan Lovren and young Joe Gomez.
Both Liverpool and Sakho are reportedly considering taking legal action about the issue.
