Monday, October 23, 2023 – Argentina World Cup winner, Papu Gomez has broken his silence on doping findings that have seen him given a two-year ban from football.
Terbutaline, a drug used to treat shortness of breath due to lung problems, was found in a sample taken from Gomez when playing for Sevilla in October 2022.
The Argentine winger and his club side at the time, Sevilla, were made aware of the failed test months ago, but the player only received his sanction last week.
He has since signed for Monza back in Italy after spending seven years playing for Atalanta between 2014 and 2021.
He took to Instagram on Sunday to explain his punishment and claim his innocence in his intentions to take Terbitulane.
‘Following the recent news published about me in relation to a possible regulatory violation in anti-doping matters, below I put into knowledge of the media and public opinion the following,’ he began, before listing six separate points.
‘First of all, I confirm that yesterday I was notified of the resolution of the Anti-Doping Sanctioning Committee of the Spanish Commission for the Fight Against Doping in Sports, by which the suspension of my federative license for a period of time is agreed period of two years.
‘I have always not only strictly complied with all regulations but also that I have positioned myself as a strong defender of clean sport and sportsmanship. Categorically condemning and rejecting all forms of doping.
‘I have never had nor will I intend to resort to a prohibited practice.’
The 35-year-old appeared to suggest he had indeed taken the drug, but unintentionally, and didn’t appear to yet confirm whether he would appeal his ban.
‘The alleged violation has its origin in the presence of Terbutaline in my body due to having mistakenly and accidentally, involuntarily and unintentionally received a spoonful of my little son’s syrup, to relieve his cough,’ Gomez added.
‘However, it is worth specifying that the therapeutic use of Terbutaline is permitted for professional athletes and that in no case improves sporting performance in football.
‘Without going into substantive issues, I have put this matter in the hands of my lawyers considering that the processing of the disciplinary file would not have been carried out in accordance with the provisions of the regulations.
‘Finally, I want to thank all the expressions of affection and support received in these complicated moments on a professional level.’
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