Connect with us

Sports

8 Tunisia Players Fail Drug Tests As Mexican Food Contamination Suspected

Published

on


A World Cup nation has been rocked after eight of their players failed doping tests, and the implications could affect England ahead of their Round of 16 tie against Mexico this weekend. The Three Lions already know they will be up against it when they travel to the co-hosts’ capital on Sunday night.

El Tri have won each of their four matches so far without conceding a single goal, becoming the first nation to achieve that incredible feat since Italy in 1990. They also boast a record that has seen them lose just twice across their previous 89 fixtures at the Azteca Stadium, while the altitude, heat and hostile atmosphere – the latter having the potential to keep Thomas Tuchel’s squad up at night – are also expected to play an influential role.

But there is one other factor they must be wary of after one nation was subject to suspected food contamination, resulting in a large portion of their squad failing drugs tests following their premature exit from the tournament.

World Cup Nation Rocked by Suspected Food Contamination in Mexico

Tunisia players at the World Cup Raquel Cunha via Reuters

Tunisia are already out of the World Cup after finishing bottom of Group F following heavy defeats to Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands. The African minnows also sacked head coach, Sabri Lamouchi, following the team’s 5-1 loss to the former in their opening World Cup game and replaced him with Herve Renard for their remaining two matches.

But that wasn’t the end of their troubles stateside this summer. Every player at the World Cup can be subjected to a random drugs test during the tournament and according to The Times, eight members of Tunisia’s squad had traces of the banned drug clenbuterol in their samples.

Clenbuterol, which is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s banned list, is used to treat asthma but can also help an athlete build lean muscle mass and burn body fat. Despite the adverse findings, the eight Tunisian players have not been named or suspended as officials believe the presence of clenbuterol was due to contaminated meat.

Tunisia were based in Monterrey for the World Cup and in Mexico, farmers have a history of including clenbuterol in animal feed because it helps reduce fat and increase lean muscle mass.

What Happens if England Fail Doping Tests For The Same Reason

England line up REUTERS/Paul Childs

If England players take clenbuterol in Mexico, the consequences depend entirely on how the substance entered their system. But any traces would lead to a FIFA investigation, alongside one from an anti-doping authority.

If a player tests positive for trace amounts of clenbuterol, but it was ingested via tainted local beef or pork, it is classified as an “atypical finding” rather than a deliberate doping violation.

If corroborated by dietary journals and lack of other performance-enhancing drugs, no bans or suspensions are expected. The player avoids formal punishment, as seen in past cases with other international tournaments held in the country, like when 109 out of 208 players in the 2011 Under-17s World Cup also failed drug tests, according to the Metro.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

Brazil vs Norway Kick-Off Time Set For Change

Published

on

By


A second World Cup game is now set to change its kick-off time amid the decision to bring England’s Round of 16 tie vs Mexico forward by six hours. Severe weather warnings have thrown the next knockout round into chaos in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with the Three Lions’ treacherous trip to the Azteca Stadium the biggest match affected up until now.

Already well aware they face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup dreams alive, with altitude and a hostile atmosphere coming into effect, Thomas Tuchel’s side are now set to play at midday local time, which brings about the issues of 33 degree heat. El Tri, meanwhile, will be licking their lips at extending their imperious home record that has seen them lose just twice across their previous 89 matches.

However, another match has now also been affected by thunderstorms, while it is not certain if it is the last. FIFA are yet to issue a statement on the chaos, with one being expected imminently.

FIFA Set To Change Kick-Off Time Of Second World Cup Tie

World Cup Amber Searls/ Imagn Images via Reuters

Norway vs Brazil, currently scheduled for Sunday 9PM BST at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is also reportedly being changed. That’s according to Brazilian journalist Raisa Simplicio, who has alleged that the new kick-off will be one hour later – but while storms have been the issue in Mexico, New York’s issue also lies in the heat.

New York City is expected to reach temperatures of 35 degrees on Sunday, with scattered thunderstorms also proving a logistical nightmare after France’s 3-0 win over Iraq during the group stages being delayed for two hours in Philadelphia.

More to follow…

Continue Reading

Sports

Man Utd Set to Complete Signing of Kit Margetson

Published

on

By


Manchester United are set to complete the signing of a 6 ft 4 player as they look set to add to their goalkeeping department, according to BBC Sport.

Man United‘s summer recruitment is starting to be questioned by some supporters after Tottenham Hotspur signed two midfielders they have been heavily linked with in a big-money double swoop.

Spurs have spent £185m on Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, with the Red Devils making the former their number one midfield target after accepting that a move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson was dead in the water once the England international decided he preferred a move to rivals Manchester City instead.

United have got Ederson through the door with a move expected to be completed later this month when he returns from representing Brazil at the 2026 World Cup, but their incoming business has slowed up since, which is causing frustration after Tottenham agreed their sixth signing.

Still, Liverpool have only added one new face too and Arsenal none as of yet, so they aren’t too far behind and the World Cup was always likely to cause delays for certain targets, with Aurelien Tchouameni just one of their targets still going strong in North America for France.

BBC: Man Utd Poised to Sign Kit Margetson

Michael Carrick

While Senne Lammens has nailed down the number one shirt at Old Trafford following his debut season at the club, a reshuffle of United’s goalkeeping department is expected this summer.

Andre Onana has rejoined Turkish side Trabzonspor on another season-long loan deal, while there have been rumours that Altay Bayindir could also depart.

With Tom Heaton already extending his stay at Old Trafford, an exit for Bayindir would mean United need to sign a new back-up stopper.

They are closing in on signing Swansea youngster Kit Margetson, according to the BBC, but he is unlikely to be thrust straight into the first-team plans should a move be completed.

The Wales Under-21 international is yet to make a first-team appearance for Swansea, but did play regular senior football for Connah’s Quay Nomads last term.

Still, the Championship outfit were keen to tie the 6 ft 4 stopper down to new terms, but he is now set to join United instead for a compensation fee.

England World Cup Quiz

You scored

out of 20

Man United Working on Second Goalkeeper Deal

Sam Johnstone via Reuters

Man United look to have decided that their ideal goalkeeper signing this summer will be an experienced stopper who has played in the Premier League before.

Two of the most heavily linked players are former Red Devil Sam Johnstone, who could leave recently-relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, and Karl Darlow.

Leeds United have been in contract talks with the 35-year-old over staying at Elland Road after his contract expired on June 30, but now Man United are said to have tabled a contract offer to the Wales international to move to Old Trafford instead.

The club will be looking to sort the situation as soon as possible so they have the right support around Lammens from the beginning of pre-season.

Continue Reading

Sports

Fulham Enter Race for Man Utd’s Top Winger Target Summerville

Published

on

By


Fulham have now entered the race to sign Manchester United’s top target in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Jacob Steinberg.

It’s been a difficult few weeks in the transfer market for United as they miss out on a number of their key targets.

Elliot Anderson has now officially completed a move to Manchester City from Nottingham Forest despite heavy interest from United.

Mateus Fernandes was also a target for the Red Devils, but he has now completed a move to Tottenham after they paid £85m to secure his signature.

It’s back to the drawing board in terms of midfield reinforcements for the Red Devils as they look to replace both Casemiro, who has now left the club, and Manuel Ugarte, who could miss a large portion of the season due to injury.


Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick claps the fans


Man Utd Set to Complete Signing of 6 ft 4 Player

He was in contract talks with his club but is now set to move to Old Trafford

Fulham Join Man Utd Race

Crysencio Summerville

According to a report from Guardian journalist Steinberg, Fulham have now entered the race to sign West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, who is expected to move in the summer transfer window.

A host of clubs in the Premier League are keen on the Dutch international, including Manchester United.

Reports have claimed that Manchester United’s ‘top’ target for the winger position this summer is Summerville. The Guardian report, however, claims that a move to a team outside the elite could be the more realistic outcome, such as Fulham.

United have also opened talks to sign Summerville in a potential deal, but it will be interesting to see whether Fulham’s interest changes things.

England World Cup Quiz

You scored

out of 20

Summerville Exit Feels Guaranteed

West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville via Reuters

An exit for Summerville in the summer transfer window feels inevitable.

A host of West Ham’s squad will be searching for moves back to the Premier League after they were relegated to the Championship last season.

Summerville was one of the Hammers’ better players last term, while he’s also produced some strong performances at the World Cup.

With the likes of Fulham and Manchester United interested in the Dutch winger, it’s incredibly unlikely that West Ham are going to be able to keep hold of him.

The London club will have to sell players in order to balance the books as they are set to miss out on large sums of money following relegation.

Continue Reading

Trending