Eight Tunisian players test positive for clenbuterol

Eight players from Tunisia's World Cup squad tested positive for trace amounts of the banned substance clenbuterol during routine anti-doping tests at the tournament, officials have determined. The findings, however, are not expected to result in sanctions as investigators concluded the substance likely entered the players' systems through contaminated meat consumed at their team base in Monterrey, Mexico.

The Tunisian Football Federation and the players' clubs have been notified of the atypical findings. The players themselves have not been publicly identified and are considered highly unlikely to face any suspension or further disciplinary action. FIFA has declined to comment on the matter.

Clenbuterol is on the World Anti-Doping Agency's prohibited list. While it can be used to treat asthma, it is also known to promote lean muscle growth and fat loss, leading to its misuse as a performance-enhancing drug. In this case, the detected levels were below the threshold for an adverse analytical finding, triggering an investigation that pointed to food contamination.

Mexico has a documented history of clenbuterol contamination in its meat supply, where the substance is sometimes...