FUFA to start drug tests on players

Apr 11, 2009

FEDERATION of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) will start testing players for banned substances as a way of keeping the local sport clean.

FEDERATION of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) will start testing players for banned substances as a way of keeping the local sport clean, reports Norman Katende.

Federation Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson yesterday confirmed that the federation medical committee will start carrying out random tests with the help of the international soccer governing body (FIFA) and World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) representatives in Uganda.

“We were seriously warned about the use of banned substances. We know that carrying out tests is very expensive but we will find a way out,” said Watson while giving a report of what transpired in the FIFA member associations meeting that took place in Botswana last week. All federations were asked to test their players in the spirit of fair play.

FUFA will become only the second local sports association to test for drugs amongst its players. Athletics is the other and first local body to test for drugs. Soccer players have been tested in international engagements.

“We are going to take the remaining part of this season sensitising players about the use of drugs and its impact. We will also tell them the different punishments they face if tested positive,” Watson explained.

He warned that in drug testing the consequences are too big that the players have to watch out for.
“You can not give an excuse that you did not know. What we are going to do is to tell the players to monitor their diet.”

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