Flamengo striker Gabriel “Gabigol” Barbosa has been suspended following a doping investigation in Brazil. Soccer authorities in the South American nation narrowly voted to implement the penalty in the doping fraud case. Brazil’s Anti-Doping Sports Court of Justice elected to ban Gabigol from playing professionally in a 5-4 vote.
The case surrounds a surprise drug test back on April 8th, 2023. Soccer officials went to Flamengo‘s training facilities on the day to issue tests to the entire team. While the rest of the club’s players willingly underwent testing, Gabigol reportedly stalled. According to league officials, the striker attempted to avoid the drug tests, but ultimately caved hours after his teammates.
ESPN is reporting that Gabigol’s lawyers claim that the player’s behavior had nothing to do with the actual drug test. The attorneys went on to say that a blood test should have been conducted to help clear their client. Nevertheless, the Brazilian forward can now not play professionally until April of 2025.
Striker claims to have ‘always followed the rules’ during career
Flamengo issued a statement Monday night proclaiming that they will assist Gabigol in appealing the decision. The Brazilian side also denied any fraud took place by the club or the player in the drug test. They even went as far as saying that there was “not even an attempted fraud” by the forward.
Along with the team, Gabigol also took to social media to respond to the penalty. “Since the beginning of my career as a football player, I have always followed the rules of the game and never used prohibited substances,” the striker wrote on Instagram.
“I have already been subjected to dozens of tests, all of which were always negative, which reinforces my commitment to my club and to the Brazilian fans.
“I am disappointed with the outcome of the trial, but I will continue to cooperate with the sports authorities and am confident that my…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/flamengo-star-striker-suspended-in-doping-fraud-case
Author : Chris Moore
Publish date : 2024-03-26 19:20:09
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