UEFA have suspended Mamadou Sakho for 30 days after opening their investigation into the Liverpool defender’s failed drug test.
Sakho faces the prospect of a lengthy ban after traces of a banned substance were found in his sample following the Reds’ Europa League win over Manchester United on March 17.
Traces of a fat-burning supplement are understood to have appeared in Sakho’s failed sample.
The France international declined the opportunity to have his ‘B’ sample tested before Tuesday’s appeal deadline and now risks a potential 12-month ban.
Liverpool withdrew Sakho from first-team selection following the revelations and are now set to be without him for the rest of this season following the provisional suspension by European football’s governing body.
“Disciplinary proceedings have been 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 March 17,” a UEFA statement confirmed.
“The proceedings relate to a violation of the Uefa anti-doping regulations, after the player failed a doping test at the above-mentioned match.
“The player did not request the analysis of the B sample. Uefa has now suspended the player provisionally for 30 days until a final decision is taken by the Uefa control, ethics and disciplinary body.
“The date of the disciplinary hearing will be announced at a later stage.”