UEFA issued their final verdict on Mamadou Sakho’s doping violation last night clearing him of all charges and allowing him to resume his football career for club and country. Liverpool fans flocked to social media to show their support for the Frenchman.
After UEFA delayed it’s final verdict from the hearing on Thursday, Mamadou Sakho’s agonizing wait on his fate in the doping violation is over with European football’s governing body clearing him of all charges. UEFA announced the verdict on the official website last night in a statement that read,”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 decision came out rather earlier than expected after reports early on from UEFA sources claimed that the verdict would take at least a week.
Confirmation from UEFA that the case against Mamadou Sakho has been dismissed. #LFC defender free to resume his career.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceEcho) July 8, 2016
The clearance allows Sakho to join Liverpool’s pre-season preparations for the new 2016-17 campaign set to get underway in August. However, amidst all the relief, the player has reason to be upset for all that transpired as a result of a false doping allegation that saw him miss a Europa League final and an on-going Euro 2016 campaign for France that has seen his nation seal their date with Portugal on Sunday.
Liverpool fans all around shared the Frenchman’s joy and relief over the decision with many showing their support for a man who went through a lot through the course of the past few months of the doping investigation.
Sakho cleared of doping. Tough to think he missed a Europa League final and @UEFAEURO
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 8, 2016
The substance Sakho took was NOT on WADA’s banned list & WADA did NOT even attend in person but merely sent written submissions (Paul Joyce)
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) July 8, 2016
-Leader.
-Passionate.
-Humble and down to earth.
-Decent player.
Sakho has all the qualities to be the LFC captain. pic.twitter.com/EPHDHBiPdz— Kloppholic (@Kloppholic) July 8, 2016
Sakho doping case dropped by @UEFA who once again prove what an absolute joke of an organisation they are. pic.twitter.com/dgBLU6PJvN
— THE ANFIELD WRAP (@TheAnfieldWrap) July 8, 2016
So Sakho missed the Europa League final& Euro 2016. Lost his Nike endorsement and his name tarnished.
Pricks @UEFA
— – (@AnfieldRd96) July 8, 2016
Not a bad day to be a #LFC fan.
• Jurgen Klopp signs new long-term deal.
• Mamadou Sakho cleared of all charges.
• 16/17 season begins.
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) July 8, 2016
Great news for Mamadou Sakho but terrible he had to miss Europa League final and Euro 2016 over this.
— Sachin Nakrani (@SachinNakrani) July 8, 2016
Sakho clear to play in the next pre-season game, then. Drugs case against him dismissed by UEFA.
— Chris Bascombe (@_ChrisBascombe) July 8, 2016
MAMADOU SAKHO IS A FREE MAN!
— – (@AnfieldRd96) July 8, 2016
Sue’em. Sue them all. pic.twitter.com/nLJ1cXmYGW
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) July 8, 2016
Genuinely over the moon Sakho’s been cleared. Top top man with a heart as big as anyone’s. And not least: we need him on the pitch. #LFC
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) July 8, 2016
Klopp contract extension, Sakho cleared of all charges, game won. I really hope today isn’t, like, the high water mark of our season.
— steph (@epic_skyline) July 9, 2016
The club and especially mama should take legal action against uefa. They cost sakho so much
— Alex Sergacome (@Alex_AMS96) July 9, 2016
So Sakho missed the Europa League final and #EURO2016 for nothing? https://t.co/DoqivQqdpD pic.twitter.com/mprxd3807W
— Sporting News AU (@sportingnewsau) July 9, 2016
BUT this is still an extraordinary balls-up by the testers. Sakho had accepted his guilt. Missed final. There will be consequences
— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) July 8, 2016
Both Sakho and #LFC will consider legal action after the saga meant he sat out both the Europa League final and the Euros (James Pearce)
— Anything Liverpool (@Anything_LFC) July 8, 2016
Klopp on Sakho: “Obviously, if it’s like you say, then it’s a hard time over for Mama. But for the rest I have to talk to him.” #lfc
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) July 8, 2016
Sakho claimed that he was relieved the saga was over and that he could resume with his professional duties as a football player once more. 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.”
Meanwhile Klopp who had just received the information while Liverpool were out playing their pre-season friendly against Tranmere Rovers said,”“I heard something about it, but not all, so it isn’t possible for me to say. Maybe we should wait one or two days. Obviously, if it’s like you say, then it’s a hard time over for Mama. But for the rest I have to talk to him.”
