Ghanaian Bundesliga Star Tanko tests positive for marijuana

A doping test on Borussia Dortmund striker Ibrahim Tanko turned up traces of hashish or marijuana, the German Football Federation (DFB) said on Wednesday. Dortmund separately announced that a previously agreed move by the Ghanaian to SC Freiburg would nonetheless go ahead next season despite the positive test, wich Tanko said was the result of a "one-off act of stupidity".

"I regret my poor behaviour," the 23-year-old was quoted as saying by German sports news agency SID. "I would like to apologise for it."

The federation said it would wait to see whether the player or Dortmund would request a second analysis of his sample before deciding what action to take.

The DFB said in a statement a preliminary test on Tanko after Dortmund's 2-1 German Cup third round defeat by Schalke in November proved positive for a compound of tetrahydrocannabinol, the active ingredient in hashish or marijuana.

Tanko is one of four Ghanaians playing with clubs in the German first division.

The country is still reeling after former Dortmund coach Christoph Daum, earmarked as Germany's next national coach, was sacked after he tested positive for drugs in October. Daum, who protests his innocence, has since fled to the United States. Third-placed Dortmund said Tanko would now face a lengthy suspension and that he would leave for middle-of-the-table Freiburg next season in a deal agreed shortly before Christmas. No other details of the transfer were given.

Freiburg coach Volker Finke said he was confident of getting the best out of the striker next season.

"He's not developed to his true potential recently," he said. "What interests me, is why".