CHAN teams to face Dope tests

Like the rest of competing teams in the inaugural Championship for African Nations (CHAN), Taifa Stars are also obliged to undergo dope tests during the matches in Abidjan.

The eight team tourney kicks off on February 22 through March 8.

According to Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) secretary general Fredrick Mwakalebela, the body has received official notification from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) organizers with regard to the doping procedures.

“We have received contract forms to fill in connection with prohibited drugs and performance enhancing steroids during the championships,“ said Mwakalebela.

Mwakalebela said CAF has instructed TFF officials to counsel the national team players with regard to abstinence from using the prohibited drugs and steroids.

While the team will be in Abidjan, dope test will be carried out during the group stage and semifinal matches.

Players will be tested before and after the matches in the preliminaries, including reserve players seated on the benches while the match is in progress.

The semifinals ad hoc doping will involve randomly selected three players whether those on the field or on the bench.

Heavy punishment will be inflicted to any player testing positive to the test with possible fine and subsequent ban or either of the two.

Beside the doping tests, CAF has also instructed TFF to be prepared in footing return flight bills for a continent of players and officials not exceeding 30.

Only 23 players and seven officials are required in the trip.

While gearing for CHAN finals, Stars are expected to reassemble on February 3 in preparation for an international friendly against visiting Zimbabwean national team at the new Main National Stadium in Dare s Salaam on February 11.

Stars have been pooled in Group `A` with the hosts Ivory Coast, Zambia and Senegal while Zimbabwe are in Group `B` that has Ghana, Libya and DRC national teams.

Meanwhile, CAF has declined to endorse Yanga`s Serbian custodian Obren Cirkovic to feature for his team during Champions League matches that kicks off this weekend all over the continent.

Cirkovic has been left at crossroads as CAF claims there is inadequate information to endorse him for the league matches.

Yanga are supposed to complete all the required transfer formalities for the goalie before CAF releases playing licence for him.

• SOURCE: Guardian