FIFA is allowing Mexico to replace the five players who have been dropped from the Gold Cup squad after testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. The players — defendersFrancisco Rodriguez and Edgar Duenas, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, and midfielders Christian Bermudez and AntonioNaelson — and the Mexican federation are blaming the positive tests on contaminated meat.
“Given that we still don’t know if it was an accident or not, FIFA hasauthorized Concacaf to allow Mexico to replace these five players at the Gold Cup,” FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said. “It isn’t a very effective drug, andthat’s why this case raises so many questions. …
“It’s very strange to see so many players testing positive for a substance like this at the same time, but both FIFA and WADAhave decided that these footballers cannot play for the time being.”
The five players will remain banned until a FIFA investigation is completed. Mexico plays faces Guatemala on Saturday inthe quarterfinals.