FIFA will not re-test samples for THG

World football's governing body has announced it will not re-examine urine samples for the "designer drug" tetrahydrogestrinone…

World football's governing body has announced it will not re-examine urine samples for the "designer drug" tetrahydrogestrinone (THG).

After a meeting in Zurich, FIFA officials have decided against retrospective testing for footballers, chiefly because samples are destroyed after a period of 30 days.

The existence of the anabolic steroid only became known to anti-doping agencies recently, when an anonymous American coach handed in a syringe containing the substance.

Following its discovery, a number of high-profile athletes, including European 100metres champion Dwain Chambers, have tested positive for the drug. Chambers has denied knowingly taking banned substances.

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A FIFA statement read: "For legal reasons and in view of the fact that samples are destroyed after 30 days in accordance with the Doping Control Regulations, the Sports Medical Committee decided not to carry out retrospective tests."

The case of England defender Rio Ferdinand was also discussed during the meeting, chaired by Executive Committee member Dr Michel D'Hooghe.

Ferdinand was charged with misconduct by the Football Association after he missed a drug test after a training session with his club Manchester United.

The statement continued: "The committee pointed out that the English association was dealing with the matter and that FIFA would await the results of the investigation and the decision passed by the relevant disciplinary bodies."