Image via Kyodo.
As many as eight Tunisian players are believed to have shown traces of banned substances during anti-doping tests at the World Cup. However, the amount of the substance included in the test is not believed to be enough to proceed with a doping case.
According to DM (via Cadena SER), eight Tunisian players showed traces of the substance clenbuterol in drug tests at the World Cup. However, the fact that it was a trace rather than a significant sign of the substance led anti-doping officials to believe that cross-contamination of meat the team had eaten at training camp in Mexico was likely the cause, rather than intentional doping.
What is Clenbuterol?
The substance found in their tests is on the list of banned substances drawn up by WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency, and is thought to have performance-enhancing properties when taken in sufficient quantities. The drug is often used for medical purposes to help people who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems breathe easier, but it can also improve cardiovascular performance and increase physical demands in athletes.
World Cup in Tunisia was disappointing
Indeed, there was little improvement in Tunisia’s performance at the World Cup, with three consecutive losses to Sweden (5-1), Japan (4-0) and the Netherlands (3-1), leaving them with a goal difference of -10, failing to show the fruits of their efforts. After the opening game loss, coach Sabri Lamouchi was replaced by coach Hervé Renard, but this had little effect on subsequent performances.
Only Iraq (0 points, goal difference -11) did worse than Tunisia. It will be back to square one for the Carthage Eagles, who never defied standards against three admittedly tricky opponents.
