‘It sucks!’: Jules Kounde and Ibrahima Konate are left frustrated after missing out on France’s wild celebrations following the win over Morocco because they were called for drug-testing
Jules Kounde and Ibrahima Konate were unable to join in their side’s celebrations in the aftermath of Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Morocco, as the pair were forced to conduct anti-doping tests instead.
With the rest of the Les Bleus squad celebrating reaching a second successive final, two of the side’s star defenders were summoned for anti-doping tests, with Barcelona‘s Kounde complaining that ‘it sucks’.
Both Kounde and Konate were in action against France, who set up a mouth-watering tie with Argentina on Sunday, but Didier Deschamps insists that his side will be able to do ‘everything humanly possible’ to restrict Lionel Messi’s influence.
Jules Kounde and Ibrahima Konate were forced to undergo anti-doping tests with their side celebrating reaching the World Cup final with Kounde complaining that ‘it sucks’
Kounde has started four of France’s six World Cup games in Qatar from right-back
In a video posted on Twitter by French outlet RMC Sports, Konate can be heard saying to his team-mate: ‘Doping!! one can’t even celebrate, hey Jules?’
With the Barcelona defender replying: ‘It sucks. It really sucks.’
France’s squad had been hit with the ‘camel’ virus that put Adrien Rabiot and Kingsley Coman and Dayot Upamecano out of contention on Wednesday, with Konate coming back into the side at the heart of the defence.
Liverpool defender Konate was also prevented from joining his side as a result of the tests
According to FIFA’s anti-doping regulations, the governing body has the right to test any player participating in a FIFA competition, and a positive test can have serious consequences, such as a life-time ban.
Antoine Griezmann grabbed the speaker and wandered around the changing room
But despite the absence of two of their key defensive figures, Didier Deschamps side were quick to erupt in raucous celebration inside their dressing-room after seeing off Morocco in the last four.
Les Bleus are bidding to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup, with many of the side having lifted the trophy in Russia in 2018.
Recent record-breaking striker Olivier Giroud was spotted sliding around the dressing-room, including along a large table in the centre of the room where he sat posing for pictures.
Fellow 2018 victor Antoine Griezmann was quick to take control of the speakers, making his way around the room holding them above his head as he went.
Even youngster Aurelien Tchouameni was involved, appearing to be thrown onto the central table, smiling as his side’s wild celebrations continued.
France players have been pictured celebrating after sealing a place in the World Cup final
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni appeared to be thrown onto the table
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