Mali duo get Red Bull Salzburg support over failed drugs test

Red Bull Salzburg have revealed that Mali internationals Mohamed Camara and Sekou Koita have returned positive for banned substances.

“Mohamed Camara and Sekou Koita had been away for around ten days on international duty for Mali for two internationals against Namibia, before they recorded a positive test on 22 November 2020 – a few days after their return to Salzburg – as part of a Uefa test of ten of our players,” a statement from club website read. “Camara and Koita both had traces of a substance that is a key ingredient in a drug taken to combat altitude sickness. “They both state this was administered to them by the medical staff of the Mali national team before their away match in Namibia. “The Mali national side flew for the African Nations Cup qualifier from Bamako in Mali (350 metres altitude) to Windhoek at 1700 metres altitude.”

Following protocol Uefa is expected to launch an investigation but Camara and Koita will continue to train with the team as Salzburg seeks to "obtain a full explanation of events in Mali".