Valcke said in Mexico at the Under-17 World Cup that the
world governing body had approved the move and was asking CONCACAF, the
regional governing body, to implement it.
The five players and the Mexican federation are blaming the
positive tests on contaminated meat. The players involved are defenders
Francisco Rodriguez and Edgar Duenas, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, and
midfielders Christian Bermudez and Antonio Naelson.
“Given that we still don't know if it was an accident or
not, FIFA has authorized CONCACAF to allow Mexico to replace these five players
at the Gold Cup,” Valcke said.
“It isn't a very effective drug, and that's why this case
raises so many questions.” Valcke said the five players would be kept from
playing until an investigation is completed.
“It's very strange to see so many players testing positive
for a substance like this at the same time, but both FIFA and WADA have decided
that these footballers cannot play for the time being,” Valcke added.
The players and some officials have blamed the positive
results, which occurred during a pre-tournament training camp in May on the
outskirts of Mexico City, on contaminated meat.
Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has also blamed
contaminated beef for his positive test for clenbuterol last July.
Mexican agriculture officials have put the claim in doubt,
saying very few cases of contamination exist.
However, Mexico President Felipe Calderon has acknowledged
that contamination is a problem in the country.
Mexico
plays a quarterfinal against Guatemala on Saturday in New Jersey and, despite
missing its top players, has been the leading team in its group.
