World Cup winner accuses Spanish authorities of abnormal prosecution over doping ban

Argentine midfielder Alejandro “Papu” Gomez has accused Spanish authorities of impropriety in investigating and dishing out punishment in a case against him for ingesting a banned substance.

Gomez was handed a two-year ban from football after he was found guilty of doping violations while he was a player at LaLiga side Sevilla by Spanish authorities.

According to reports, Gomez tested positive for a banned substance, Terbutaline in October 2022, while he still represented the LaLiga team.

Despite the positive tests, Gomez was still able to play for Argentina in their triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign and has since left Sevilla to join Serie A minnows Monza.

Gomez reacted to the recent ban on his social media, posting a message of innocence on his Instagram account.

The former Atalanta midfielder’s statement read, “Following recent stories written about my possible violation of the anti-doping rules, I wish to inform the media and public opinion of the following:

“1) I confirm that I received word from the Spanish anti-doping commission that my licence is suspended for a period of two years.

“2) I always not just rigorously respected all the rules, but also stood up as a strong defender of clean sport and sporting behaviour, condemning categorically any forms of doping.

“3) I never, nor do I intend to, relied on a banned practice.

“4) The presumed violation originates from the presence of Terbutaline in my system, which I accidentally ingested with a spoonful of cough syrup for my son, to alleviate his cough. It is important to specify that Terbutaline is allowed for professional athletes and in no way does it improve performance in football.

“5) Without getting into the situation, I have asked my lawyers to look into the suggestion the disciplinary case was not treated according to the norms.

“6) I finally wish to thank all those who showed me affection and support during these difficult moments of my professional life.”

Gomez is currently expected to miss the rest of the 2023/24 season regardless of the outcome of an appeal after suffering a ruptured ACL just days after signing for Monza.