Doping could scupper ES Tunis' CAFCL challenge

by Staff Reporter

Monday Mar 13, 2023. 13:15

ES Tunis could see their CAF Champions League campaign derailed after Houssem Dagdoug failed a doping test on matchday 1 of the group stages.

The Blood and Gold top Group D on nine points after winning three of their opening four matches, with CR Belouizdad trailing them by two points in second place.

Nabil Maaloul’s side beat Al Merrikh 1-0 in their group opener at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Tunis on February 11 but the result is now in doubt following the revelation that Dagdoug tested positive for an illegal substance.

The Tunisian Professional League 1 champions are now awaiting the outcome of investigations by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to determine their fate.

“Houssem Dagdoug tested positive during the doping control carried out on the first matchday of the CAF Champions League group stages against Al Merrikh,” the club said in a statement.

“The case will therefore be followed closely, and further investigations will be carried out to determine the details of this case.

“We hope that this matter will be quickly resolved so that the club can continue to play at their best and continue their quest for new titles.”