The most extensive doping study in football history "has exposed significant levels of potential cheating by dozens of footballers playing for Europe’s top clubs and national teams," according to the SUNDAY TIMES.
Scientists commissioned by UEFA "found that 68 players recorded 'atypical' drug test results that indicated the possible use of banned anabolic steroids."
The study "examined more than 4,000 urine tests from professional players competing in the Champions League and Europa League" and two European Championships between '08-13. It found 7.7% of the 879 players "recorded drug tests so abnormal that they would trigger an investigation" under new UEFA rules brought in this month. The world-leading scientists who conducted the research said that "their findings had resulted in UEFA deciding to follow other sports by introducing biological passports in an attempt to catch the dopers." The passport program, similar to those in force for top cyclists and athletes, "will allow experts to identify fluctuations in football players’ steroid levels so they can be targeted with follow-up tests" (SUNDAY TIMES, 9/20). REUTERS' Karolos Grohmann wrote higher levels of testosterone "can occur naturally in some cases but can also be the result of doping" (REUTERS, 9/20). The BBC reported UEFA "denied claims that drug taking among top players is at a 'significant level' and said results from a study it carried out needed clarification." UEFA said, "This study doesn't present evidence of potential doping." It added "the lack of standardisation" in the testing procedures and the "inability" to carry out testing on a B sample, as required by World Anti-Doping Agency's code, meant no "scientific evidence" could be produced (BBC, 9/20).
