Mamadou Sakho: Liverpool defender 'free to play' after 30-day ban for failed drugs test is not extended

Uefa will reportedly investigate whether the substance he tested positive for should be prohibited

Sakho missed Liverpool's final seven fixtures, including the Europa League final (Getty)

Mamadou Sakho's 30-day provisional ban for failing a drugs test has not been extended by Uefa, pending an investigation into whether the substance he used should be prohibited.

The Liverpool defender is free to play again as from Sunday and could be included in Didier Deschamps' France sqaud for this summer's European Championships.

Sakho tested positive for the substance - believed to be a fat-burning supplement - following his side’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United in the Europa League on 17 March.

The 26-year-old was provisionally banned for 30 days after Uefa, European football's governing body, opened disciplinary proceedings on 28 April.

Sakho's defence, submitted to Uefa's disciplinary committee on Monday, argued that the substance should not be on the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of banned substances having presented scientific evidence regarding its effects.

The evidence has persuaded Uefa to hold an investigation into the drug's status. Sakho's case remains open but, after the expiration of the 30-day ban, he is permitted to play again.

The 26-year-old centre-back missed the final seven fixtures of Liverpool’s season, including the Europa League final defeat to Sevilla.

The Independent has attempted to contract Uefa but they are currently unavailable for comment.