FifPro want urgent inquiry after three players injected with unidentified substance quit with heart problems
At least four top-tier clubs in Cyprus have been giving the medical treatment to their players - three of whom have been forced to quit
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.World footballers' union FifPro has called for an urgent inquiry into medical treatment given to players at several top-tier clubs in Cyprus.
The demand follows reports in the Cypriot media that at least four clubs have been giving injections of unidentified substances to players and three players have been forced to quit the game with serious heart problems.
In a statement, the union said: "Because of concerns there is a link between the unidentified substances and the serious heart condition of the three players, FifPro is calling for football authorities to help identify what was administered to them and to establish if their teammates are in danger."
FifPro said it has written to the Cyprus Football Association, the Cyprus Sports Organisation and European football's governing body Uefa to express its concern and ask for immediate assistance.
The union, which represents more than 60,000 players worldwide, added that it believes the substances have been administered by club doctors to aid recovery and it has been going on since the start of last season.
The three players who have quit football on medical advice are being supported by FifPro and the Cypriot players union but there are concerns about players who have left the clubs in question to continue their careers elsewhere, including some who have moved abroad.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments