Chinese footballer in drug scandal
By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-11-18 08:39

China's Anti-doping Committee confirmed yesterday Liu Jiansheng, goalkeeper of Liaoning Zhongyu Club, tested positive for drugs after a September 26 match.

Traces of benzedrine and methacrylic, common ingredients in methamphetamines and marijuana were found in a second sample he provided.

The committee announced a positive first sample on October 26.

The substances are not used to enhance performance, leading authorities to link Liu to social drug use.

Liu was not available for comment.

This is the first scandal in Chinese football history connected to social drug use and only the second drug case.

Beijing Hyundai's Zhang Shuai was banned for half a year last year after testing positive for samples of the banned drug - ephedrine.

The then 22-year-old could have faced a ban of two to four years and a fine of up to 10,000 yuan (US$1,200), but received a lesser punishment instead after China Football Association confirmed he had taken the drug unwittingly.

It is believed Liu's ban will be far heavier as China has expanded anti-doping efforts after Zhang's scandal.

According to the new Anti-Doping Regulation, which took into effect on Match 1st, all coaches and related personnel connected to the drug use may also face punishment.

"Based on the regulations from the National General Administration for Sports and the CFA, the minimum punishment will be at least a one-year suspension," said an unnamed official from the CFA.

Xue Li, vice-president of the CFA also said that it is not difficult to deal with the case.

"We have specific rules and regulations to abide by. Drug use is a serious problem and all we should do is impose punishment based on the rules," Xue said.

A ban of a year or more for the 32-year-old Liu could literally end his career.

Liu and another Liaoning player were tested after the club was crushed 1-5 by Dalian Shide. During the match, Liu made a number of big errors and stirred speculations of match-fixing and gambling.

Liu was then sidelined from the starting line-up due to "some health problems."