Euro 2016 will have expanded drug testing, according to UEFA
Paris (AFP) – UEFA will increase drug testing measures ahead of Euro 2016 in France, European soccer’s governing body said on Friday. “In advance of the UEFA EURO 2016 tournament, UEFA will conduct the largest pre-tournament testing program ever implemented. All players with the potential to be selected for participating teams […]
Paris (AFP) – UEFA will increase drug testing measures ahead of Euro 2016 in France, European soccer’s governing body said on Friday.
“In advance of the UEFA EURO 2016 tournament, UEFA will conduct the largest pre-tournament testing program ever implemented. All players with the potential to be selected for participating teams will be subjected to testing from Jan. 1, 2016 via UEFA’s annual program,” UEFA said in a statement.
“Teams will also be tested at squad meet-ups in advance of the tournament, and following their arrival in France.”
SEE MORE: Qualifying has been revitalized, but 24-team format still faces Euro 2016 test.
UEFA will introduce a biological passport similar to those used in cycling and track and field.
From the governing body’s statement:
“UEFA will kick off the 2015-16 season with the strongest anti-doping program ever seen in European football …
“This includes the introduction of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) steroidal biological passport to improve the identification of steroid use; a strengthening of rules related to team and player whereabouts; long-term sample storage to permit the retrospective identification of prohibited substances; and a continuation of its comprehensive blood and urine in- and out-of-competition testing program.”
Michel D’Hooghe, chairman of UEFA’s medical committee, said that while doping was not rife in soccer, authorities could not rest on their laurels.
“Recent events in other sports have highlighted the importance of remaining ever vigilant and pushing for progress in all areas of our work,” said D’Hooghe.
“Although our doping statistics remain low amongst players in UEFA competitions, there can never be room for complacency.”
