TWO OF BARBADOS' World Cup footballers have tested positive for using illegal drugs and are almost certain to be debarred from representing the country in immediate upcoming matches.

The duo failed a drug test conducted by the National Anti-Doping Commission (NADC) two days before Barbados' return first leg World Cup match against Dominica at Kensington Oval on March 26.

When contacted yesterday, NADC's secretary Neil Murrell confirmed the positive test by the footballers.

"There are two footballers who have tested positive but we haven't had a hearing with those players as yet," he said.

"As soon as we have a hearing, we can let the public know who the players are," he added.

Murrell said the Barbados Football Association (BFA) was aware of the situation.

"We told them verbally and we have now written them so things are going to speed up from here on," he said.

Noting that his body had its rules on drug offences, Murrell said it would be premature to say what form of action would be taken against the players without a hearing with them.

But a BFA council member, who requested anonymity, made it clear it was "a private BFA out-of-competition test" done prior to the Dominica game and not immediately after when players were randomly selected for the mandatory drug testing in accordance with FIFA rules.

As a result, he said the positive tests, which the WEEKEND NATION understands was for the illegal substance marijuana, should not have any consequences for Barbados following its 1-0 victory over Dominica.

Instead, the BFA official said the guilty players would now be punished in accordance with the BFA's rules.

The BFA has scheduled a Press conference for today at its Richmond, Welches, St Michael headquarters with president Ronald Jones expected to be present but it was not certain whether this matter would be addressed.

According to the BFA's rules, footballers failing a drug test are ineligible to represent their club or country until they passed a second such test.

They would also have the option of undergoing counselling.

It means that the players will be suspended immediately from the Digicel Premier League, Knock Out Cup or any other local competitions.

Consequently, the two footballers, who are both locally-based, will be ineligible to play in the first leg of the second round tie against the United States in California on June 15.
l ezrastuart@nationews.com