Eight players have reportedly tested positive for banned substances. (Image: Getty)
Tunisia’s disastrous World Cup campaign was thrown into further turmoil after eight players showed traces of banned drugs during the tournament. The North African nation was soundly defeated by Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands in the group stage, making them the only CAF representative not to advance to the finals.
If their performances on the pitch didn’t do enough damage, Tunisia also became World Cup legends by sacking head coach Sabri Lamouchi after a 5-1 thrashing of Sweden in the opening game of the tournament. Their disastrous campaign was made worse by behind-the-scenes revelations that several players showed traces of clenbuterol in mandatory anti-doping procedures, according to the Times.
Clenbuterol is classified as a beta-2 agonist and acts similarly to anabolic steroids, substances that can aid muscle development and reduce body fat.
However, it has been recorded that this meat is used in Mexican agriculture to produce lean meat.
The identities of the athletes involved are kept secret, but they were spared suspensions because of the numerous incidents involving contaminated meat, particularly in Mexico.
Tunisia’s tournament is based in Monterrey, Mexico, and the same report suggests a nearby restaurant has been identified as part of an investigation into the matter.
Indeed, there is a track record of athletes showing traces of banned substances after unknowingly eating contaminated meat while in Mexico.
At the 2011 Under-17 World Cup, more than 100 players from 19 national teams had traces of clenbuterol in their systems.
Tunisia was eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage. (Image: Getty)
At the time, the Mexican Football Federation and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) opposed pursuing charges, citing substantial evidence pointing to contamination.
In 2022, WADA issued Technical Letter 23 specifically addressing clenbuterol, along with other comparable substances, and confirming that clenbuterol detected in urine at an estimated concentration of 5 ng/mL is not immediately considered an adverse analytical finding (AAF), but instead is classified as an atypical finding (ATF).
A mandatory investigation will then be conducted to determine if the results are likely due to contaminated meat. If this explanation is confirmed, as in this case, no further action will be taken.
As a result, the Tunisian federation, the player and his club have been identified, but there is no indication that the player will face further repercussions.
Concerns surrounding Thomas Tuchel’s side’s trip to Mexico City are likely to increase further in light of the developments, but England are almost certain to be unaffected as they source their food at home and travel with their own team of chefs.
FIFA has so far declined to comment on the matter, and the Tunisian federation has not responded to requests for comment.
