NYON: A muddle over doping regulations has ended with European football federation dropping proceedings against Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho.

The decision by UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body raises awkward questions about how Sakho’s career was put on ice for three months, causing him to miss the end of the domestic season and Frane’s Euro 2016 campaign.

The France international tested positive for a ‘fat burner’ after the Reds’ Europa League tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford in March, and served an initial 30-day suspension.

But that initial ban was not extended as UEFA launched an investigation into whether the substance Sakho took should even be on the banned list and the governing body announced on Friday the case was dismissed.

A UEFA statement 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 player Mamadou Sakho, following the Europa League round of 16 second-leg match between Manchester United and Liverpool 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.”

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