CSKA Moscow players suspended for failed drugs tests

CSKA Moscow could be thrown out of the Champions League after players Aleksei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich tested positive for a banned substance.

They failed a doping test on 3 November after the 3-3 draw at Manchester United and have been provisionally suspended.

Uefa regulations state that if more than one player from the same side tests positive for banned substances, the team could be disqualified.

CSKA beat Besiktas 2-1 on Tuesday to reach the last 16 ahead of Wolfsburg.

The international defenders were suspended for the victory in Turkey which sealed second spot in Group B behind Manchester United and a place in the first knockout round of the Champions League.

If CSKA were thrown out of the tournament, then that could open the way for German side Wolfsburg who finished third in the group after being beaten 3-1 at home by United on Tuesday.

Part of Article 12 of European football's governing body disciplinary regulations states: "If more than one player from the same team is charged with a doping offence in relation to a prohibited substance or methods, the team in question may be disqualified from the competition in progress and/or future competitions.''

Both Berezutsky and Ignashevich's A samples revealed the presence of a prohibited substance under the category 'S6 stimulants' from the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) prohibited list 2009.

CSKA has defended its players, claiming they were given the cold remedy Sudafed while battling colds on international duty and the club's medical staff had failed to include the medication on a list given to Uefa staff before the game against United at Old Trafford.

The substance is not on Uefa's banned list according to CSKA, who said in a statement: "The problem is that during the doping control procedures a clerical error was made by employees within our medical staff.

"For the players and for the club this news was truly shocking.

"Unfortunately, we do not yet fully understand all the circumstances of the case, but we have nothing to hide, and we believe our fans should be made aware of that.

"This situation has arisen in connection with the treatment of our players from a severe cold during their time with the national team, and not in any way with doping, which is also known by the relevant bodies within Uefa.''

Uefa will discuss the case further on 17 December, one day before the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League is made.

During the game in November CSKA led United 3-1 at Old Trafford before Paul Scholes's late strike and an injury-time Georgi Shchennikov own goal rescued a point for the hosts.