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Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has been suspended for an initial 30 days by UEFA as they conduct an investigation into his failed drugs test.

The governing body have now officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the France international who is facing a lengthy ban for using a 'fat burner' off the banned list of substances.

Sakho decided not to request that UEFA test his B sample – effectively accepting their initial findings.

The Reds had already decided not to select Sakho while the process was ongoing but the suspension confirms that the defender's season is over.

A UEFA statement read: “Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated against Liverpool FC player Mamadou Sakho, following the UEFA Europa League round of 16 second-leg match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC (1-1), played on 17 March.

“The proceedings relate to a violation of the UEFA Anti-Doping Regulations, after the player failed a doping test at the above mentioned match.

“The player did not request the analysis of the B sample. UEFA has now suspended the player provisionally for 30 days until a final decision is taken by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.

“The date of the disciplinary hearing will be announced at a later stage.”

Asked about Sakho ahead of Liverpool's Europa League semi-final first leg with Villarreal on Thursday night, boss Jurgen Klopp said: “What we are all doing is collecting information to clear the situation as much as possible and then we have to wait until the next steps.

“We can't force anything. What we have done so far is to do what we think is right. We will now have to wait.”

Sakho could be banned for anything from six months to two years.

The length of any suspension will be determined by exactly what Sakho had taken and what mitigating factors he presents to UEFA.