Mamadou Sakho Suspension Extended Worldwide by FIFA

After Mamadou Sakho declined to ask UEFA to test his B sample, he was inevitably suspended for the remainder of the season. The investigation is still ongoing, but Liverpool defender's suspension has been extended worldwide by FIFA. While all the actions taken against Sakho are provisional at this stage, "all types of matches, including domestic, international, friendly and official fixtures" are now covered by the 30-day suspension according to FIFA's website.

Sakho is likely to be given a lengthy ban by UEFA, one that will surely rule him out of Euro 2016 in France and much of next season. The question surrounds the French international's use of fat burners, which was similar to the situation Kolo Touré faced in 2011. The problem for the 26-year-old is that UEFA isn't the FA, and with a more serious fight against doping in 2016, a ban longer than six months wouldn't entirely be unexpected.

Liverpool have struggled in Sakho's absence, drawing one and losing two of the three games since it was agreed that by both Liverpool and Sakho that the player would remain unavailable for selection after effectively failing a drugs test. One of the major reasons for Liverpool's defensive dramas has been a lack of composure and passing ability in the other central defensive options.

Jürgen Klopp has been shuffling his pack with a lengthy Europa League campaign to consider, but it's clear that Liverpool are a more defensively insecure prospect without a player who has become a cult hero for the Kop. Any further judgements should probably be best reserved until a decision on the player's suspension has been made by Uefa's control, ethics and disciplinary body.