N Korean Soccer Players Receive Ban for Substance Abuse

Two women were banned from playing with their North Korea team in the Women’s World Cup on Wednesday. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association affirmed that Jong Sun Song and Sim Pok Jong failed dope testing, which has resulted in their suspension.

Although FIFA failed to identify the exact drug used by the two players, they did make it clear that all 19 team members would be forced to undergo similar testing.

Article 58 in the FIFA Anti-Doping Regulations state that if one team member has violated an anti-drug test rule during a competition, the entire team must be subject to the same testing. The dope testing of the team will be conducted by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

Although the testing is not optional, FIFA explained that those being tested are allowed to request that another sample be taken. After test results showed findings in sample “A”, North Korean team members did not request a sample “B” testing.

Yineth Varon, a Colombian soccer player, failed a dope test and requested a “B” sample to be taken. Varon did not pass the “B” sample test that was given and has been suspended by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee.

According to FIFA, there have been three total accounts of substance abuse in the 2011 Women’s World Cup. The Association has expressed its continued efforts to end drug use in the sport.

“FIFA would like to emphasize once again its determination to keep football free of doping. It is FIFA’s duty and will to protect players from harm and ensure that footballers can compete on an even playing field,” said FIFA in an official statement released on Thursday.

“FIFA’s anti-doping strategy relies on education and prevention, as well as on respect for the dignity and privacy of each player who is subject to testing.”