All analysis of the doping controls carried out at the first 48 matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup proved negative. A total of 192 tests were conducted as part of the anti-doping programme so far and processed within a maximum of 36 hours at the WADA accredited Anti-doping Laboratory in Mangaung/Bloemfontein.
This is an exceptional turn-over as we have received the results between 24 to 36 hours after the samples were taken. A huge compliment to the laboratory, explained FIFAs Chief Medical Officer, Prof Jiri Dvorak.
The tests were conducted on two randomly selected players per team per match. By the end of the tournament 256 players will have undergone a doping test. All the usual prohibited substances and methods are searched for in the urine and blood tests, including stimulants, anabolic steroids, diuretics and erythropoietin (EPO).
Since 1994, 7416 doping tests have been performed at all FIFA competitions with only four players having been tested positive for a prohibited substance. The most recent positive test in the tournament was in 1994. Current Argentina coach Diego Maradona, then their star player, was sent home in disgrace after testing positive for cocaine.
Dvorak said in line with the prevention programmes the FIFA Medical team recorded another positive score in the area of prevention of injuries during the competition. So far an average of 2.0 injuries are recorded per match whereas in 2002 the leve
This is a very encouraging result and shows the good preparation of the teams and the long term development and improvements of the medical programmes.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News