UEFA to begin blood testing

UEFA are set to implement a blood testing programme across both the Champions League and Europa League from the start of the 2013-14 season.

European football’s governing body conducted blood testing at both the 2012 and 2008 editions of the European Championships, but are now set to roll out the anti-doping measures across club competitions.

Players were previously required to provide only urine samples, but could now be asked to also give blood by UEFA testers.

In a statement announcing the changes, UEFA also revealed that they carried out 1,374 doping controls over the course of the 2012-13 season, with none providing a positive result.

The announcement also explained that 2013 Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich were both tested five times over the course of the season.

The new anti-doping regulations came into effect on July 1 2013.