Germany face surprise anti-doping tests before Nations League trip to Greece

The Germany squad were visited by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) shortly before their Nations League match against Greece, with five players asked to provide urine samples.

NADA carried out the unannounced tests on Friday evening at Germany’s accommodation in Herzogenaurach, just hours before Sunday’s fixture in Thessaloniki.

According to German newspaper Bild, the agency selected five members of the squad for testing as part of routine anti-doping controls conducted among national teams and players.

Germany will face Greece at PAOK Salonika’s Toumba Stadium, where around 28,000 supporters are expected. Approximately 1,400 Germany fans are set to travel to Thessaloniki for the match.

The game will be refereed by French official Clement Turpin, who has previously taken charge of Germany matches.

Turpin was the referee when Germany beat Hungary 5-0 in Dusseldorf in September 2024. He also officiated Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in April 2023.

That match brought criticism from Thomas Tuchel, who was Bayern Munich manager at the time. Tuchel mocked Turpin’s performance by saying the referee had given him “six out of six from the first minute”, after the German coach had been sent off for receiving a second yellow card.

There has also been a change to Germany’s starting line-up before the meeting with Greece. Newcomer Felix Kaidel, 23, has replaced Serge Gnabry.

Kaidel will wear the number 20 shirt for Germany, marking a new stage in his international career.

Germany will also wear their new black kit against Greece. The strip was first used in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Amsterdam.