U21 anti-doping drive

The message that doping will not be tolerated in football will be used as an educational tool at the forthcoming UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Portugal.

Education sessions
UEFA will stage anti-doping education sessions for players, coaches, medical staff and officials involved in the 23 May-4 June tournament at each team's hotel. Eight sessions are planned over a four-day period at the start of the event, the objective of which is to increase awareness and highlight the dangers of drugs and doping, as well as to explain doping control procedures.

Controls increased
Doping controls can be conducted at any time during the tournament, and the 2006 WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) list of prohibited substances will apply. UEFA has stepped up its fight against doping in recent times. A new anti-doping unit was established within the UEFA administration, as well as an anti-doping panel comprising renowned experts. The number of doping controls have been increased in the European competitions, with youth, women's and Futsal events also included.

Folly of doping
"One positive case is too many" is the motto that the European body is using to transmit the message. The campaign is designed not only to deter, but to educate against the folly of doping. The use of recreational drugs is an ongoing concern for UEFA and the anti-doping experts, and the education drive is especially targeting youngsters who may be susceptible to such substances.