Manchester City has confirmed on their club's web site that central defender Kolo Touré has "tested positive for a specified substance." The club confirmed that the English FA informed the Ivorian that his A-sample had failed their tests. As a result, Touré has been suspended pending testing of the B-sample. Should that come back positive, Touré will be subject to suspension that would keep him out for the rest of the season.
Kolo Toure Fails Drug Test, Suspended
Manchester City’s full statement, also available on the club’s website, is the minimum you’d expect from the club - an explanation as to why Touré will not be playing, a declaration that there will be no further comment:
Manchester City confirm that the FA has informed Kolo Toure that an ‘A-sample’ provided by him has tested positive for a specified substance.As result of this, he has been suspended from participating in all first team and non-first team matches pending the outcome of the legal process.
There will be no further comment from the football club at this stage.
Touré has made 22 league appearances for Manchester City, who currently sit third in league. The Cote d'Ivoire international was purchased last year from Arsenal and briefly served as club captain under former manager Mark Hughes. If Touré is suspended long-term, Micah Richards is most likely to see the bulk of playing time in central defense, along side Vincent Kompany.
While the B-sample is tested and the legal process plays out, Touré will be prevented from taking part in any first team activities, including this Saturday’s match against Wigan Athletic.
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