Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho is looking forward to getting back on the pitch after a "difficult time" having learned that UEFA have quashed his doping charge.
Following a hearing on Thursday with the defender’s lawyers and World Anti-Doping Agency experts, UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body decided to dismiss the case.
The 26-year-old failed a drugs test after the Reds drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Old Trafford on March 17, which saw them progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
He subsequently missed both legs of the semi-finals as well as the showpiece in Basel as disciplinary proceedings were opened against him and a 30-day provisional ban put in place.
Sakho has also been denied the opportunity of representing France at Euro 2016 and potentially lifting the trophy with the national team in front of their home fans when they face Portugal in the final on Sunday.
His legal team have maintained that the fat burner which triggered the positive result should never have been on the banned substance list.
"I am happy that this is finally over," Sakho said in a statement on Liverpool's official website. "It’s been a difficult time for me but I knew I had done nothing wrong.
"I am looking forward to getting back in the team and playing again."
Liverpool have welcomed the ruling, which gives the club a further boost heading into the 2016-17 season after Jurgen Klopp signed a new six-year deal on Friday morning.
The player will now consider whether there are grounds for legal action given the setbacks the case has caused him both at club and international level and Liverpool, too, will explore their options.
- Goal