CSKA escapes UEFA ban

CSKA escapes UEFA ban

CSKA Moscow can begin preparations for the knockout phase of the Champions League after learning they will not be expelled over two failed drugs tests.

It had been reported the Russian club could be thrown out of the competition after defenders Alexei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich tested positive for a banned stimulant.

The substance in question, however, is on a list of "specified" stimulants, meaning that the potential disqualification penalties in European governing body UEFA's regulations will not be invoked.

Such substances, perhaps included in everyday over-the-counter drugs, are regarded to be particularly susceptible to unintentional breaches of anti-doping policy.

The players claim to have taken Sudafed whilst suffering from colds on international duty recently. They returned positive tests after CSKA's 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on November 3.

Any punishments, if deemed necessary, will be in the form of sanctions against the players and not the club. A disciplinary hearing will take place on December 17 to review the matter.

UEFA's rules on doping are clear with part of Article 12 stating: "If more than two players from the same team are found to have committed an anti-doping rule violation in relation to a prohibited (non-specified) substance or method, the team in question may be disqualified from the competition in progress and/or future competitions."

But a spokesman for the organisation said: "In this case it is a specified substance so disqualification of the team does not apply, it is more the sanction of the players themselves."

CSKA qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League last night by beating Besiktas to finish second to United in Group B.

The club immediately defended their players when news of the positive tests was announced, attributing the problems to a "clerical error".

A statement added: "This situation has arisen in connection with the treatment of our players from a severe cold during their time with the national team, and not in any way with doping, which is also known by the relevant bodies within UEFA."