Six Mexican National Team Players Removed From Gold Cup Squad, Banned From Team For Positive Doping Tests

An incredible story has come out today that six Mexican national team players have failed doping tests. Ricardo Osorio was one of the players, but he had already left the squad due to injury. The five other players who tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol are Fransisco 'Maza' Rodriguez, Guillermo 'Memo' Ochoa, Edgar Dueñas, Sinha, and Christian 'Hobbit' Bermudez. 

All five players have been removed from the team and will not participate further in the Gold Cup. The tests were done outside of the competition by the FMF, so there is no risk of Mexico having to forfeit their result against El Salvador. If the positive tests are upheld, all six players face one year bans from the national team.

The FMF is thoroughly investigating the case, and they believe that tainted chicken was to blame for the positive tests, not intentional doping. Nonetheless, as the investigation and appeals process takes its course, all six players will stay out of the team. Mexico is asking CONCACAF to allow them to call in replacement players, but they will play today with less than a full 18 man squad.

Edit: Conflicting reports are emerging on whether or not Ricardo Osorio was one of the players busted for doping. We will update when we hear something definitive.