(MENAFN- Kora) Backstrom was informed that he was unable to play in Sunday's showpiece against Canada before the start of the match after reportedly testing positive for a banned substance, although there has been no official confirmation from the International Olympic Committee
Sweden lost 3-0 as Canada secured the final gold of the Games in Sochi, but the Swedish team were more disappointed at the decision regarding Backstrom
Boustedt criticised the timing of the announcement and suggested it had been delayed until moments before the final before for maximum impact
"We're upset by this," he told a news conference
"They (the IOC) have given amateurism a face and it's sad that it will affect Nicklas and the hockey organisation
"The timing with this was awful and my suspicion is that this is political
"They got the decision two days ago
"They waited until it would make a really good impact on you journalists.
Team doctor Bjoern Waldeback explained the substance Backstrom had taken is used to treat sinusitis and allergy problems and the player himself revealed he had not changed his medication in the past seven years
"I've got absolutely nothing to hide," he said
"It was shocking to me and at the same time I'm here right now and I have to deal with it
"I haven't done anything differently in the past seven years and I've been playing internationally all that time
"I was ready to play probably the biggest game of my career then two and a half hours before the game I get pulled aside
"I watched the game at the (athletes) village.
Backstrom, who plays for the Washington Capitals in the NHL, had played in every game of Sweden's Olympic tournament until the final, creating four goals for team-mates
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