| 02 Avril 2013
Scientists tested samples of meat from team hotels and the urine of the competing athletes. Clenbuterol was detected in 14 out of 47 meat samples (30%) and in 109 out of 208 urine samples (52%). The detection rates were so high that only 5 out of the 24 teams which provided urine samples did not contain clenbuterol. The extensive evidence of meat contamination ensured that none of the soccer players were sanctioned. The results reveal the potential risk to elite athletes and the study highlights the governmental need to tackle illegal uses of clenbuterol in stock breeding. 
Few crimes in elite sport come with heavier punishments than doping; yet what risk does illegally contaminated food pose to athletes? A study in Drug Testing and Analysis, supported by FIFA, football’s global governing body, tested players at the FIFA U/17 World Cup in Mexico for traces of Clenbuterol, a growth-promoting substance which is banned in the EU and can lead to positive drug tests if ingested.