DFB to stage more out-of-competition doping tests

National team doctor Tim Meyer said on Thursday that there was a danger of doping in the sport, especially around injured players who may be tempted to return quicker into the team with the help of forbidden substances.

 Another doctor, Wilfried Kindermann, said that "We owe it to the public to conduct out-of-competition tests in order to be credible."

   The DFB, the world's largest single sport federation with more than 6.5 million members, said it conducted 886 competition tests in the Bundesliga and other leagues last year, but only 87 random tests.

 The larger number of tests in-between matches is to be in place by the end of the year.

 Meyer warned that all major groups of doping substances - steroids, Human Growth Hormone and the blood booster EPO - could be used by footballers.

 "We should not downplay the danger. A lot of money is at stake, that makes cheating attractive. Some components of the performance can be improved through doping, that is also valid in the sport of football," said Meyer.

DPA