World Cup 1966: three German players had used banned stimulant ephedrine.

Last night it emerged that three German football players were using drugs in the 1966 World Cup final.

A newly-unearthed letter obtained from historians at Berlin’s Humboldt University revealed that three unnamed German football players had been tested positive for a banned stimulant at World Cup 1966 final.

The letter is dated November 29, 1966 and was written by the Yugoslav chairman of Fifa’s medical committee, Mihailo Andrejevic.

The West German team lines up before World Cup 1966 final

In that letter, Mihailo Andrejevic informed fellow doctor Max Danz – president of the West German Athletics Federation – that doping tests at the World Cup 1966 had uncovered the illegal use of ephedrine.

England famously beat West Germany 4-2 in the Wembley Stadium world Cup 1966 final.

The news that three German team members were under the influence of a banned stimulant has shocked the surviving England winners.

Defender George Cohen told The Sun: “I am astounded. I always wondered where they got their energy from in extra-time.

“Thank goodness the result was not affected by whatever it was the Germans were taking. What would Fifa have done if Germany had won?

“It’s extraordinary that this has been covered up for so long.”

Bobby Charlton raises the World Cup trophy after England beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley Stadium in 1966

Mihailo Andrejevic’s letter noted that the tests revealed very slight traces of an ephedrine-based medicine against cold symptoms in three players from the West German football team.

Ephedrine is used as a decongestant but also as a stimulant and was on a list of banned substances during the competition.

The 1966 World Cup was the first time drug-testing was carried out in a World Cup competition.

[youtube TFGh2pUE30Y]