Soccer Players warned against use of banned drugs

Bangalore, Oct 28 (UNI) Authorities have sounded a warning against consumption of banned drugs by players in the AFC Youth Championship's Bangalore leg beginning here from tomorrow.

Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) officials, entrusted with the task, may arrive any time and conduct random tests during the Championship, Karnataka State Football Association President A R Khaleel told newsmen here.

''We are not aware when FIFA officials will be arriving and when they would conduct the test. However, we have made all arrangements needed for the test'', he added.

Meanwhile, KSFA, which is hosting the Championship, has decided to set up a mini-hospital with all facilities in the Sree Kanteerava Stadium where eight matches and two quarterfinals are scheduled to be held.

Mr Khaleel said, ''The M S Ramaiah Hospital has extended all help and assistance by providing full fledged medical facilities including Doctors, fully equipped ambulances with para medical staffs and stretcher boys. On the day of simultaneous matches, additional two ambulances will be stationed at the venues. Mallya Hospital would be the designated hospital for the matches played in Sree Kanteerava Stadium while Hosmat Hospital for the matches played in Bangalore Football Stadium.'' Besides Manipal Hospital, St Johns Hospital, St Philomena and Wockhardt Hospital would be on standby.

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