CSKA Moscow defenders Sergei Ignashevich and Alexei Berezutsky have been suspended by UEFA over a doping offense, European football's governing body confirmed on Tuesday.
The two Russian internationals tested positive for a banned substance after a November 3 Champions League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, UEFA said.
"Both players' A samples revealed the presence of a prohibited substance under the category 'S6. Stimulants' from the Wada [World Anti-Doping Agency] Prohibited List 2009," a UEFA statement said.
The suspension, which covers all European and Russian football, is temporary until the case is heard by UEFA's disciplinary committee on 17 December.
"The news is a genuine shock for the players and the club," a statement on CSKA's website read.
"This situation has come about in connection with the treatment of the players' heavy colds...and is not in any way connected to doping," the statement also said.
CSKA face Turkish club Besiktas in Istanbul in a vital Champions League match on Tuesday evening. To make the knockout stages of the tournament, the Russian club need to better the result of German champions Wolfsburg, who are at home to an already qualified Manchester United.
MOSCOW, December 8 (RIA Novosti)
