MAMADOU SAKHO will accept his guilt following his failed drugs test — and now faces a ban of anything up to two years.
The Liverpool defender has decided not to request his B sample is checked, after the initial one showed he had taken a fat-reducing substance.
It means that not only is Sakho’s season with the Reds over, but he will also sit out the Euros.
Sakho could have challenged the first results in a bid to delay proceedings to the extent that he could have played on.
Liverpool are still chasing Europa League glory, while he was a certainty to be named in France’s squad for the finals this summer.
Yet in accepting the results, the official hearing to determine his punishment can begin.
Team-mate Kolo Toure was suspended for six months for failing a test for the same reason during his Manchester City days.
Yet there is no hard and fast rule, and Uefa could leave him on the sidelines for two years — although half that time is thought to be the more likely outcome.
Liverpool also now face the decision of whether they will continue to pay Sakho when his ban is announced.
Both the club and player decided last Saturday, when the news was revealed, that he would be unavailable for selection while he was under investigation, even though Uefa have not officially suspended him as yet.
There has never been any suggestion he will be sacked by Liverpool, although a suspension will raise doubts over his long-term future as a first team regular.
Schalke centre back Joel Matip arrives in the summer and, as Jurgen Klopp’s first big name capture, is nailed on to be selected.
And with Dejan Lovren having rediscovered his form, Sakho can expect a bit-part role when both men are fit.
Sakho, who has played for France at every level from Under-16, cost £18 million from Paris Saint-Germain three years ago.
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