World champion Papu Gómez banned for two years for doping

Currently plays for Monza

This article first appeared on October 20 at 4:31 p.m. and has been updated following confirmation.

Serie A has another doping case after Paul Pogba (30; Juventus): Argentine world champion Papu Gómez is, according to a report by the Spanish portal “Relevo“was banned for two years. The background to the not yet officially confirmed sanction for the 35-year-old AC Monza professional is not an offense at his new club, with which he only signed at the end of September, but rather from his time at Sevilla FC.

Update 7:15 p.m.: AC Monza confirmed the doping case on Friday evening. According to the club’s announcement, a two-year ban was imposed by the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission. Accordingly, the drug terbutaline was found in the player’s samples. The club also said Monza reserves the right to examine the next procedural steps

The positive test was carried out as part of a training session in Andalusia shortly before the start of the 2022 World Cup. Gómez was in the starting line-up for the Albiceleste in Qatar in the first group game and in the round of 16.

Gómez, reports Relevo, stated that the banned substance came from a medication his son had taken without consulting his club when he was not feeling well a few days before the test. According to the regulations of the World Anti-Doping Organization (WADA), professionals must inform themselves whether a substance they are taking is approved or not.

Both Sevilla and Monza knew about the procedure. The Spaniards and Gómez therefore wanted to find a new club in the last transfer period. However, no interested party wanted to take the risk that the possible new addition would be blocked in the near future. Therefore the contract was terminated on deadline day. Gómez actually wanted to wait until January before signing with a new club – but Monza convinced him not to wait any longer. In Serie A he was substituted on the last two matchdays. If the ban is confirmed and remains in effect even after a possible appeal, the veteran is likely to face the end of his career.

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