Mamadou Sakho Doping Charges Dismissed by UEFA: Latest Details, Reaction

UEFA dismissed its case against Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho on Friday in relation to the failed doping test that saw the France international miss both the UEFA Europa League final and Euro 2016. 

Rob Harris of the Associated Press reported Sakho, who was issued a 30-day football ban after testing positive for a fat-burner in April, had been cleared of any wrongdoing:

UEFA later announced the decision via its official website, with the incident in question taking place after a Europa League meeting with Manchester United on March 17.

Liverpool and Sakho released statements on the decision:

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Liverpool Football Club welcomes today’s decision from UEFA to dismiss the case against Mamadou Sakho, confirming that he did not commit any doping violation.

We are pleased for Mamadou that he can now resume his playing career.

Mamadou said: "I am happy that this is finally over. It’s been a difficult time for me but I knew I had done nothing wrong. I am looking forward to getting back in the team and playing again."

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The decision will come as a relief to Sakho, Liverpool and the France national team, but all three parties will undoubtedly regret the on-pitch time he was forced to miss as a result of his suspension.

Liverpool went on to lose the Europa League final to Sevilla in May, while France have made their way to the Euro 2016 final without Sakho, where they'll face Portugal.

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker emphasised just how much damage had been done to Sakho's career despite UEFA's decision to now dismiss their case against the alleged offence:

The Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle explained Sakho appeared in front of the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on Thursday and could have been banned from anywhere between six months and two years.

While Sakho has missed a lot of football in recent months, the Telegraph's Chris Bascombe noted the Frenchman can at least now look forward to a proper pre-season:

Liverpool have released Kolo Toure, but Joel Matip has arrived on a free transfer from Schalke 04 to provide another option in central defence for the Reds. 

He will now provide competition alongside Dejan Lovren for a spot at centre-back, while a fit-again Joe Gomez will also look to dethrone Sakho from the starting lineup.