Anti-drugs chief urges caution over positive test

The player who has tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone may not have done anything wrong, according to UK Sport’s anti-doping chief.

The finding is the first time a professional footballer has tested positive for nandrolone in England. It is understood that the player is English and is at a club outside the Premiership.

The Football Association are currently investigating the positive test, which occurred within the last three months, and are keeping the identity of the player secret until the inquiry has been completed.

But Michele Verroken, UK Sport’s director of drug-free sport, insists the player will remain innocent until proven guilty.

She told BBC Radio 5 Live: “No-one should suggest that a doping case has taken place.

“The grey area over nandrolone itself is we have seen many findings which seem to be associated with the use of supplements. Athletes are taking supplements but they don’t realise they are taking steroids.

“No-one should be considering that the individual has done anything wrong at this stage.

“It’s a matter for the Football Association to deal with. If they conclude there is a case to answer there will be a disciplinary hearing and at that hearing they will decide whether there has been an offence.

“What we are saying about nandrolone findings it that someone may not realise they have committed an offence.”

And Verroken suggested a dedicated drug cheat would be unlikely to use nandrolone.

She added: “I have no reason to think that this case is anything more than a player having taken a supplement. Anyone sophisticated enough to be using steroids will not be using nandrolone.”