Source: Daily_Mail
CSKA Moscow's Champions League place safe despite positive drugs
CSKA Moscow can begin preparations for the knockout phase of theChampions League after learning they will not be expelled over twofailed drugs tests.It had been reported the Russian club could be thrown out of thecompetition after defenders Alexei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevichtested positive for a banned stimulant.The substance in question, however, is on a list of "specified"stimulants, meaning that the potential disqualification penalties inEuropean governing body UEFA's regulations will not be invoked. Provisionally suspended: CSKA Moscow defender Sergei IgnashevichSuch substances, perhaps included in everyday over-the-counterdrugs, are regarded to be particularly susceptible to unintentionalbreaches of anti-doping policy.The players claim to have taken Sudafed whilst suffering fromcolds on international duty recently. They returned positive testsafter CSKA's 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford onNovember 3.Any punishments, if deemed necessary, will be in the form ofsanctions against the players and not the club. A disciplinary hearingwill 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 havecommitted an anti-doping rule violation in relation to a prohibited(non-specified) substance or method, the team in question may bedisqualified from the competition in progress and/or futurecompetitions." 'Battling cold': Alexei Berezutsky was given Sudafed, claim his club But a spokesman for the organisation said:"In this case it is a specified substance so disqualification of theteam does not apply, it is more the sanction of the playersthemselves."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 thepositive tests was announced, attributing the problems to a "clericalerror".A statement added: "This situation has arisen in connection withthe treatment of our players from a severe cold during their time withthe national team, and not in any way with doping, which is also knownby the relevant bodies within UEFA." CSKA Moscow stars banned for taking cold remedy before United showdownRussia probe claims stars drank before World Cup play-off exit to SloveniaMan United, Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea on alert as Krasic eyes deal