Fenerbahce protest over Fred inclusion by Shakhtar

ISTANBUL: Fenerbahce have protested to UEFA over the inclusion in a Champions League tie by Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk of Brazilian midfielder Fred despite reports he had tested positive for a banned substance, the Turkish club said Friday.
Fenerbahce and Shakhtar clashed in the Champions League third qualifying round on Tuesday night in Istanbul with the match ending in a 0-0 draw .
Fenerbahce said they had submitted an “appeal” to European football’s governing body over the inclusion of Fred despite reports in the Brazilian and British press an ‘A’ sample from the player had tested positive for a banned diuretic during the recent Copa America.
UEFA’s ethics and disciplinary commission will consider the issue at a meeting on August 3, the club added.
Fenerbahce posted a letter from UEFA confirming the protest had been received and that “disciplinary proceedings have been instigated”.
The protest comes as Shakhtar prepare to host Fenerbahce for the return leg on August 5 in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, far away from the team’s home in the conflict-torn east of the country.
Fenerbahce will be hoping to make more of an impact in the second leg, counting on their star new international recruits Robin Van Persie and Nani, both signed from Manchester United.
Fred, 22, whose full name is Frederico Rodrigues Santos, has played for Shakhtar since 2013. He is not to be confused with the veteran Brazilian striker Frederico Chaves Guedes who plays for Fluminense and is also known as Fred.