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Out-of-competition drug tests for Euro 2004 teams
Nyon (Switzerland), Nov 15: All teams playing in next summer`s Euro 2004 final round in Portugal will undergo out-of-competition drug testing, European soccer`s ruling body has announced.
Nyon (Switzerland), Nov 15: All teams playing in next summer's Euro 2004 final round in Portugal will undergo out-of-competition drug testing, European soccer's ruling body has announced.
It marks the first time all 16 participating national teams will be tested before the start of the European championship finals, which run from June 12 to July 4 next year, on top of the usual testing at the 10 playoff matches and at all the matches of the final tournament itself.
Uefa said it was introducing the tests as part of its ongoing programme to increase the quantity and frequency of doping tests in European football.
In line with recent recommendations from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Uefa has also introduced testing for the recently discovered steroid Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) as part of its anti-doping test routine at matches. THG falls into the category of prohibited substances on Uefa's doping control regulations.
"Uefa is taking new steps to ensure that we have the widest possible coverage of testing before the Uefa Euro 2004 and at the tournament itself," Uefa CEO Gerhard Aigner said. "The message is clear: we will not tolerate those who cheat using banned substances and will act decisively if anyone is found doing so."
In September, Uefa announced a 30 per cent increase in drug tests in its competitions for the 2003-04 season. Bureau Report
Uefa said it was introducing the tests as part of its ongoing programme to increase the quantity and frequency of doping tests in European football.
In line with recent recommendations from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Uefa has also introduced testing for the recently discovered steroid Tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) as part of its anti-doping test routine at matches. THG falls into the category of prohibited substances on Uefa's doping control regulations.
"Uefa is taking new steps to ensure that we have the widest possible coverage of testing before the Uefa Euro 2004 and at the tournament itself," Uefa CEO Gerhard Aigner said. "The message is clear: we will not tolerate those who cheat using banned substances and will act decisively if anyone is found doing so."
In September, Uefa announced a 30 per cent increase in drug tests in its competitions for the 2003-04 season. Bureau Report