By FRANCO PANIZO
Looks like it may have been tainted chicken after all.
FIFA revealed on Monday that a majority of the players tested in this past summer's U-17 World Cup in Mexico had clenbuterol in their bodies, and that it was a result of eating contaminated meat in the country. FIFA said tests conducted in Germany after the tournament showed that 19 of the 24 teams had findings of the banned drug in 109 of 208 urine samples. FIFA admitted it was surprised by the results, but it insists the youth players were not cheating.
The news comes four days after FIFA decided not to sanction the five Mexican players who tested positive for clenbuterol before the Gold Cup.
Mexico won the U-17 World Cup in July, defeating Uruguay 2-0 in the final to claim its second title.
Here are more stories from Monday:
WARNER BLAMES ZIONISM
To the detriment of most, the Jack Warner saga continues.
The former FIFA Vice President has blamed Zionism for the circumstances that led to him and former FIFA president candidate Mohamed bin Hammam being forced out of the sport's governing body. Warner intends to speak out on the situation in detail through a letter to be released on Tuesday. Last week, a video of Warner explaining payments to Caribbean officials prior to this year's election was published.
GUATEMALA JOINS USA, JAMAICA IN GROUP A OF WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
Guatemala didn't even have to play this past weekend to get a bit of good news. Guatemala advanced to the third round of World Cup qualifying after Grenada and St Vincent & Grenadines eliminated themselves with a 1-1 tie on Saturday. The result means that Guatemala has an unmatchable 12 points in Group E. It also places the Guatemalans in Group A of the third round, joining the United States and Jamaica (the fourth team to join the trio will be either Antigua and Barbuda or Haiti).
FABREGAS RETURNS TO TRAINING
Cesc Fabregas has recovered from his right thigh injury, and returned to practice for Barcelona on Monday. Fabregas' rejoining the group on the practice field comes after a weekend that saw Gerard Pique sustain a thigh injury that will keep him out for two weeks. Fabregas picked up his injury in a training session earlier this month.
EVERTON SIGNS MCFADDEN
Everton added a forward to its roster, signing injury-plagued free agent James McFadden on Monday. McFadden was released by Birmingham at the end of last season and had received interest from Celtic and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the Toffees beat them to the punch. McFadden, who just recovered from an injury, previously spent five years with Everton.
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What do you think of the latest news on clenbuterol? Expecting Guatemala to be a tough opponent for the U.S. team in World Cup qualifying? Think Everton made a wise decision in signing McFadden?
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