NYON: European federation UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mamadou Sakho after his failed drugs test.

The Liverpool defender decided not to have his B sample tested in relation to the doping violation and has now been provisionally suspended for 30 days by European football’s governing body.

The France international opted against a further sample being tested ahead of Tuesday’s deadline after his initial sample revealed traces of a fat-burning substance.

He risks a substantive suspension of between six months and two years.

UEFA said in a statement on its website: “Disciplinary proceedings have been 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 March 17.

“The proceedings relate to a violation of the UEFA anti-doping regulations, after the player failed a doping test at the above-mentioned match.

“The player did not request the analysis of the B sample. UEFA has now suspended the player provisionally for 30 days until a final decision is taken by the UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary body.

“The date of the disciplinary hearing will be announced at a later stage.”

Liverpool flew yesterday to Spain for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at Villarreal without the player.

He had already been left out of Saturday’s draw with Newcastle after the anti-doping violation emerged last week.

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