KUALA LUMPUR: Players should not be surprised if they are instructed to undergo a doping test even when in training. This is because the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will be more aggressive in combating the use of banned substances which includes carrying out random doping tests not just during major championships or tournaments.
According to AFC secretary general, Datuk Windsor Paul John, AFC can carry out random doping tests on any player at any given time especially when a player has been registered to play in a championship organised by Asia’s football governing body.
"Doping tests can be carried out not just during a championship or tournament, but at just about any time. Even during training our officers can come to carry out doping tests.
"For example, players have already been registered for the 2018 AFC Under-16 Championship, so we can carry out doping tests when the players turn up for training because the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) have given us the go ahead to take test samples outside of a championship or tournament,” he said.
This latest move by AFC should be acknowledged by all players, especially the national youth players who will feature at international championships including the AFC Under-16 and Under-19 Championships.
In fact, the doping case involving national Under-23 goalkeeper, Ahmad Syihan Hazmi who tested positive for the banned substance Metabolite Methandienone while representing the country during the AFC Under-23 Championship in China in January and is now provisionally suspended from playing football or taking part in any footballing activities for 60 days should serve as a clear reminder.
Windsor added that as professional players, all players cannot just simply consume additives or supplements without proper advice and clearance.
"Professional players must always discuss or refer to the medical personnel. If they are on certain medication to recover from any illnesses they need to obtain the necessary approval first from their respective doctors and medical personnel. The case that has happened before this should be a lesson for all,” he added.