Greek soccer adds blood tests to anti-doping efforts

 The decision by the Union of Professional Soccer Clubs came after the owner of a first-division club, Panachaiki, alleged that the use of banned substances was common in the Greek professional leagues.

 The soccer union's secretary-general, Babis Pavlopoulos, said Greece will be the first European country to use blood tests as well as the traditional urine analyses.

 "The measure will be applied on all soccer players of the first, second and third divisions," he said.

 About 1,500 players are in the three leagues.

 The decision must be approved by the Greek Soccer Federation, but no opposition is expected.

 Under the plan, teams will be selected at random and all players would be subject to blood tests. Also, routine urine tests of two random players at each game will continue, organizers said.

 The union's president, Victor Mitropoulos, suggested stiff sentences for players refusing to make tests.

 "The players' health is more important than their participation in games," Mitropoulos said.

 Soccer players found using banned substances are barred from the Greek leagues for a minimum of two years.

 The season begins next month.

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