3 Jul 2008Euro 2008 doping tests prove negative

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

All of the 286 urine and blood tests taken from players during Euro 2008 proved to be negative.

According to Uefa, who tested the players with systematic blood controls, all the checks came back clear in what it described as "good news" for football.

The organisation tested samples from all 16 teams before the tournament and players did not know when they would be tested or who would be tested.

Ten players from each team were drawn and 160 players were examined.

During the final tournament players were selected in all the matches and two from each team were randomly chosen to take the tests.

Some players were also target tested and after evaluation, all the tests proved negative.

Dr Michael D'Hooghe, the chairman of the Uefa medical committee, visited the laboratory in Lausanne where the samples were analysed.

It uses technology to test for stimulants, anabolic steroids, diuretics, corticosteroids and erythropoietin.

Tests can also see whether a substance is produced naturally or unnaturally.

Dr D'Hooghe was impressed with the facilities and the number of examinations the laboratory was able to conduct.

"The work done here is world-class," he said.

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