Mamadou Sakho has been cleared of doping charges following UEFA’s inquest into Liverpool defender’s failed drugs test.
Sakho tested positive for a banned substance following the Reds’ Europa League win over Manchester United in March after traces of a fat-burning supplement were discovered.
Liverpool withdrew the France international from selection pending the outcome, while European football’s governing body suspended Sakho for a provisional period of 30 days in late April.
That sanction was extended to football-related activity worldwide by FIFA just days later.
As a result of the suspension, Sakho missed out on a place in the Europa League final for Liverpool as well as Euro 2016, while the investigation into his sample was concluded.
But UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) have now dropped the case following a meeting with the player’s representatives in Paris on Thursday.
“Following a hearing with the lawyers of the player and experts of the WADA-accredited laboratories, the CEDB has decided to dismiss the case”, read a statement.
UEFA’s decision to drop the case against Sakho, who last featured for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby win over Everton in April, leaves him free to resume his career.
However the player is set to explore whether the ruling had any potential avenues for legal action against UEFA.
Speaking after the ruling, he said: “I am happy that this is finally over.
“It’s been a difficult time for me but I knew I had done nothing wrong.
“I am looking forward to getting back in the team and playing again.”