CSKA Moscow could be thrown out of the Champions League and
banned from future competitions because of positive drugs tests for
two of their players following a match against Manchester
United.
Russian defenders Alexei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich have
been provisionally suspended from all games after positive doping
tests for a banned stimulant.
The random tests were carried out following the Champions League
clash with Manchester United on November 3 which ended in a 3-3
draw.
UEFA's disciplinary committee will hear the case on December 17
but under the European body's regulations, if more than one player
tests positive for banned drugs action can be taken against the
team.
Part of Article 12 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations states:
"If more than one player from the same team is charged with a
doping offence in relation to a prohibited substance or methods the
team in question may be disqualified from the competition in
progress and/or future competitions.''
The Russian club have defended the players and claim it was down
to a "clerical error''.
CSKA claimed that both players had been given Sudafed while
battling colds on international duty, but CSKA's medical staff had
failed to include the medication on a list handed to UEFA following
the clash with United.
"The problem is that during the doping control procedures a
clerical error was made by employees within our medical staff,''
said the statement on www.pfc-cska.com.
"For the players and for the club this news was truly
shocking.
"Unfortunately, we do not yet fully understand all the
circumstances of the case, but we have nothing to hide, and we
believe our fans should be made aware of that.
"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.''