Mamadou Sakho asked UEFA to suspend him pending the outcome of the Liverpool defender’s failed drugs test.
The defender tested positive for a banned substance following the Europa League last 16 win over Manchester United in March.
Anfield officials removed Sakho from selection after news of his doping breach emerged in April, which was followed by a provisional 30-day suspension by European football’s governing body.
But as the France international faces a potential reprieve from the charges, UEFA’s chief medical officer has revealed that the ban was self-imposed by the player himself.
Marc Vouillamoz claims that Sakho, who missed the Europa League final during his eight-game absence at the end of Liverpool’s season, requested the recent ban.
“Some substances cause an automatic suspension, others not,” he told L’Equipe.
“And in this case, the player wished to be suspended temporarily, of his own will, and UEFA acceded to his request.”