Liverpool

Mamadou Sakho's suspension extended to international matches

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 02 May 2016

FIFA extends Mamadou Sakho's 30-day ban to international matches as UEFA continues to investigate the Liverpool defender's alleged anti-doping violation.

FIFA has announced that Mamadou Sakho's suspension from football has been extended to international and friendly matches.

The Liverpool defender was recently hit with an initial 30-day ban from UEFA, which is investigating an anti-doping violation.

Sakho tested positive for a banned substance, thought to be a fat burner, after Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Europa League on March 17.

The France international decided against challenging the charge, and will plead mitigation with the hope of avoiding a long ban, which could stretch to one year.

Now, FIFA has stepped in. A statement from the world governing body read: "The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to extend the sanction imposed on April 28, 2016 by the chairman of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body of UEFA on the French player Mamadou Sakho for an anti-doping rule violation to have worldwide effect in accordance with article 136 ff. of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

"As a consequence, Mr Sakho is provisionally suspended worldwide for 30 days as of April 28, 2016 in accordance with the terms of the decision passed by the chairman of the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body of UEFA. This suspension covers all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures.

"The decision of the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was notified today to The Football Association Ltd., the French Football Association and UEFA."

Liverpool immediately removed Sakho from team selection when the violation came to light.