Smolarek still hopes to play for Poland in World Cup amid drug accusations

Euzebiusz Smolarek, a member of the national football team, who also plays for Feyenoord Rotterdam, is accused of having taken an illegal substance. Tests after a match with PSV Eindhoven showed him positive with the presence of cannabinol in his urine. Cannabinol is found in marijuana, but is also contained in some foods and chocolate. Feyenoord's manager, Jan D. Swart said that eating even a small amount of food with this substance can cause a positive result in drug tests. Swart rejects any ideas that his player might have taken drugs in a disco. It is not yet known if UEFA will punish Smolarek, but appealing against the accusation can help him retain his good reputation so he could still be chosen by coach Jerzy Engel to play in for Poland in the World Cup. (Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 34) A.D.