10 December,2009 08:15 AM IST | | PA Sport
CSKA Moscow can begin preparations for the knock-out phase of the Champions League after learning they will not be expelled over two failed drugs tests.
It had been reported the Russian club could be thrown out of the competition after defenders Alexei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich tested positive for a banned stimulant. The substance in question, however, is on a list of "specified" stimulants, meaning that the potential disqualification penalties in European governing body UEFA's regulations will not be invoked. Such substances, perhaps included in everyday over-the-counter drugs, are regarded to be particularly susceptible to unintentional breaches of anti-doping policy.
