Mexican Players Cleared of Clenbuterol

Five Mexican players who tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol were cleared by their country's soccer federation Friday.

The five -- defenders Francisco Rodriguez and Edgar Duenas, goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and midfielders Christian Bermudez and Antonio Naelson -- blamed the results on contaminated meat.

They tested positive in May during training camp in Mexico before the Gold Cup. The players did not appear in the U.S. tournament. 

The Mexican federation said it would notify FIFA of its decision.

The federation attributed the positive tests to "contaminated food" and said there would be no punishment. The statement said the players "took all necessary measures to avoid ingesting or consuming banned substances."

Mexico President Felipe Calderon has acknowledged that contamination is a problem in the country.

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador also blamed contaminated meat for his positive test for clenbuterol last July.