Austrian champions RB Salzburg said on Tuesday that two of the team's players had tested positive for banned substances in a UEFA-administered test after they played internationals against Namibia for Mali in November.
Mohamed Camara and Sekou Koita tested positive for a substance used to treat altitude sickness, and which the players say was administered by medical staff working for Mali's national team ahead of a qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations, according to a statement from the club.
Following protocol, UEFA is expected to launch an investigation into Camara, a midfielder, and Koita, who plays as a forward.
Salzburg's general manager, Stephan Reiter, said that he expected "that medical work will conform to international standards, with doctors who are familiar with the rules."
Camara and Koita will continue to train with the team while Salzburg seeks to "obtain a full explanation of events in Mali," according to the club statement.
Mohamed #Camara and Sekou #Koita both had traces of a forbidden substance after return from international duty. FC Red Bull Salzburg will therefore do everything – in cooperation with UEFA and the relevant authorities – to obtain a full explanation.https://t.co/EbSrNeBbWg
— FC Red Bull Salzburg EN (@FCRBS_en) December 22, 2020
