Wenger doping talks

UK ANTI-DOPING chief executive Nicole Sapstead will ask Arsene Wenger about his concerns that many football teams use performanceenhancing drugs.

The Arsenal manager said in an interview with L’Equipe in November that his sides have ‘ played against many teams’ who have doped and has expressed his concerns to the FA.

Wenger’s comments came after Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Arijan Ademi was banned for four years for failing a drugs test following his side’s Champions League victory over Arsenal in September.

Speaking at a briefing in London, Sapstead said: ‘I would be interested to speak with him and hear what he’s got to say. I will attempt to engage with him. I think it’s foolish for any sport to think that they’re immune from doping, I really do.

‘Statistically, worldwide, football does not have a doping problem. It’s just something doesn’t feel right.

‘Football is a rich sport and they have fantastic infrastructures behind them and their clubs.

‘I’m not saying I have any evidence to say that this is the case. But we have seen that people who want to invest in a scientist or doctor to tell them what to take or when to take it or when it’s going to clear their system, you just need some money, and you need to know where to go.’