Brazil confirm striker Fred tested positive for banned substance

Normally used to control hypertension and cardiovascular problems, hydrochlorothiazide is also a known masking agent for performance-enhancing drugs.

Turkish outfit Fenerbahce have complained to UEFA after Shakhtar Donetsk played Fred against them in their Champions League qualifier, despite the Brazilian facing doping accusations.

Fred tested positive on a doping test during the Copa America, Brazil’s football association (CBF) has confirmed. “I have a clean career and I have everyone’s support”.

In a confusing statement, the CBF said they had sent organisers a list of the medicines Brazil was taking to the tournament and that the banned substance was not on it.

Called up for the injured Luiz Gustavo, Fred played in Brazil’s opening two fixtures at the Copa America but was dropped for the final group game against Venezuela and quarter-final defeat by Paraguay.

The two teams played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their third qualifying round match on Tuesday evening, with Fred starting the clash and being substituted late on.

Fenerbahçe have released a statement confirming the club has filed an official complaint to UEFA regarding Shakhtar Donetsk playing Fred in the Champions League play-off first-leg game.

Hydrochlorothiazide was not part of the list, nor was it available to the CBF, the confederation said.

The governing body of European football was investigating the matter and would announce a decision on Monday, according to a letter from UEFA published on Fenerbahçe’s website.