CSKA Moscow's celebrations having qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League have been cut short, with the news that they face the threat of being thrown out of the competition.

Aleksei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich were suspended for the 2-1 win at Besiktas that saw CSKA through, having tested positive for a banned substance following their 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Article 12 of UEFA'S disciplinary regulations states that, "If more than one player from the same team is charged with a doping offence in relation to a prohibited substance or methods, the team in question may be disqualified from the competition in progress and/or future competitions."

CSKA have defended their players, claiming that the club's medical staff had only failed to include the substance on a list given to UEFA staff before, the game, with both players having taken it as cold medication whilst on international duty. They have released a statement saying, "The problem is that during the doping control procedures a clerical error was made by employees within our medical staff."

"For the players and for the club this news was truly shocking. Unfortunately, we do not yet fully understand all the circumstances of the case, but we have nothing to hide, and we believe our fans should be made aware of that.

"This situation has arisen in connection with the treatment of our players from a severe cold during their time with the national team, and not in any way with doping, which is also known by the relevant bodies within Uefa."

According to the BBC, UEFA are set to discuss the case on December 17, a day before the draw for the last 16 of the Champions League.
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