Accessibility links

Breaking News

World Soccer Body Does Surprise Doping Test On Russian Team


Doping testers for the world soccer federation have turned up unannounced to collect samples from a top Russian soccer team amid suspicions of meldonium use.

FIFA medical chief Jiri Dvorak said that the Rostov starting 11 were tested after they won 3-1 against Dynamo Moscow on May 12. Rostov has mounted a surprise title challenge this season and is two points behind leader Dynamo.

Dvorak, who is attending the FIFA Congress in Mexico City, said that he personally initiated the probe because of"some rumors in the media about meldonium and Rostov ordering meldonium."

As a result, "we have today done an unannounced control of a football club, Rostov...which we successfully completed one hour ago," he said.

The samples will be taken to a laboratory in Europe, and results may be known by May 16, he said.

Based on reporting by AP and TASS

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG