No La Liga drug tests ‘alarming’

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) says it is “alarmed” by the lack of drug testing in Spanish football in the past year.

According to BBC Sport, only 57 tests were performed on La Liga players from clubs not competing in Europe and none at all in Spain’s second tier.

Those from Spanish sides in continental competition and who have represented the national team were tested by UEFA and FIFA respectively.

“The lack of testing in a country with one of the leading football leagues worldwide for a period of almost 12 months is alarming,” explained WADA.

“It will do little to instil confidence in clean sport at a time when it is needed most.”

Spain’s anti-doping body (AEPSAD) was branded non-compliant by WADA in March 2016 – the last time drug tests took place in the country.

WADA had hoped for FIFA or UEFA to take on the country’s drug testing while an agreement could be thrashed out.

Nonetheless, AEPSAD has since confirmed that testing should resume before the end of February once WADA’s global code is approved by government.

In stark comparison to La Liga, 799 tests were carried out on Premier League players last season.

Tags FIFA Spain UEFA
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