German FA, Coach Silent on Doping Case Involving Player Laura Freigang

The German Football Association (DFB) and national coach Christian Wück are maintaining silence regarding the case of Laura Freigang, who is being investigated for violations of anti-doping whereabouts rules. Wück stated, "I will not comment on it," when asked about the matter following Germany's 2-0 victory over Norway, which secured their World Cup qualification.

A spokesperson for the DFB confirmed that the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has submitted its findings, but the association could not provide further details at this time. NADA previously announced that the Eintracht Frankfurt player, who has 44 caps for Germany, had breached the regulations concerning the "whereabouts" of athletes under the anti-doping law.

The case has now been transferred to the DFB, which is responsible for the disciplinary proceedings against Freigang. Coach Wück commented on his personal advantage, saying, "I have the great advantage that I was never so good that I had to submit these data to NADA." He explained that during his playing days, such requirements did not exist for U21 national players.

According to NADA, Freigang, 28, missed three scheduled doping tests within a 12-month period. These missed tests, known as "strikes," are a violation of reporting obligations and typically result in a two-year suspension. It is important to note that Freigang is not suspected of using banned substances; all her previous tests have reportedly been negative. The DFB will now review the case, and Freigang will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances before a control committee and sports court. Wück had surprisingly omitted Freigang from the squad for the recent World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Slovenia, though this decision was reportedly unrelated to the doping investigation.