Liverpool defender and France international Mamadou Sakho will face no further action from UEFA, after he tested positive for an anti-doping violation in March. He tested positive for a 'fat burner' after their victory over Premier League counterparts Manchester United in the Europa League last-16 tie, and was handed an initial 30-day suspension as they opened disciplinary proceedings.
However, they launched an investigation into whether the substance he took should've even been on the banned list to begin with, and the case was finally dismissed after months of speculation.
Significance of Sakho's wrongful suspension
Sakho's ban meant that he missed both their Europa League final defeat against Spanish side Sevilla, as well as the opportunity to be selected for France's Euro 2016 squad - something that seemed a certainty beforehand due to his excellent form for Jürgen Klopp's side. Mamadou had maintained the stance that he did nothing wrong, and was public in his relief that the whole case is "finally over", especially as it's been a difficult time for himself personally, his family and Liverpool too.
A stressful time for the player, his family and club
"I am looking forward to getting back in the team and playing again."
Liverpool will be hoping that Sakho can manage to continue the same vein of form that he displayed in the three months leading up to his suspension - especially with plenty of newcomers and departures from the club set to shake-up the side ahead of the new campaign in mid-August. Joël Matip has made his Reds debut, whilst reports continue to link Martin Skrtel with a move away from Anfield this summer.
Sakho's returning presence means there's added competition for places in defence - which can only be a good thing for a side that has struggled for stability in that area over the past few seasons.