LONDON • Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Mamadou Sakho after his failed drug test.

The Liverpool defender decided not to have his B sample tested in relation to the doping violation and has now been provisionally suspended for 30 days by European football's governing body.

The France international opted against a further sample being tested ahead of Tuesday's deadline after his initial sample revealed traces of a fat-burning substance.

Uefa said in a statement on its website yesterday: "Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against Liverpool FC player Mamadou Sakho, following the Uefa Europa League round of 16 second-leg match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC (1-1), played on March 17.

"The proceedings relate to a violation of the anti-doping regulations, after the player failed a doping test at the above-mentioned match.

"The player did not request the analysis of the B sample. Uefa has now suspended the player provisionally for 30 days until a final decision is taken by the Uefa control, ethics and disciplinary body. The date of the disciplinary hearing will be announced at a later stage."

Liverpool were scheduled to play the first leg of their Europa League semi-final at Villarreal this morning (Singapore time). Sakho did not fly with the team, as both the club and the player have agreed that he will remain unavailable for selection during this process.

The 26-year-old was also left out of last Saturday's draw with Newcastle United after the doping violations emerged last week.

The centre-back's participation at Euro 2016 is now in serious doubt, with Didier Deschamps set to announce his squad on May 12, more than two weeks before Sakho's provisional ban expires.

THE GUARDIAN, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE