Mamadou Sakho has decided NOT to appeal UEFA’s drug charge and hasn’t requested his B sample to be tested.
The Liverpool defender had until Tuesday to request his B sample, but opted not to. Instead, reports on Wednesday claim he will accept the charge and offer mitigating circumstances in an effort to lesson the extent of his punishment.
The news means Sakho’s 2015/16 season is almost certainly over, with a ban to follow. He’s also highly unlikely to feature for France in the European Championships this summer.
The Frenchman tested positive after the Reds’ Europa League tie at Old Trafford last month, with reports suggesting he tested positive for a type of fat burner.
Sakho could still face a severe ban despite his attempt to plead ignorance, with anything from six months to years looking likely.
A six month ban, assuming that includes the summer, could see him return in late autumn and that appears to be the best possible outcome.
Liverpool have refused to comment on Sakho’s situation as allegations relate to the player only and they are unlikely to change this stance until the defender and UEFA have resolved the matter.
Sakho was not on the team’s flight on Wednesday lunchtime for their Europa League semi-final first leg in Villarreal as it is understood the club and the player have jointly agreed he will remain unavailable for selection during this process.
