Papu Gomez releases full statement following two-year ban
Monza forward Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez has issued a statement following his two-year doping ban.
The 35-year-old was sanctioned by Fifa after testing positive for a banned substance.
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Gomez, who joined the Italian side in September, made two appearances for Argentina as they won a third World Cup title in Qatar last December and turned out twice for Monza this season before the club announced terbutaline was found in a sample taken from when he played for Sevilla in October 2022.
“Fifa has notified the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission of the first instance ruling of the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission against the player Alejandro Dario Gomez,” a club statement read.
Terbutaline is used to prevent bronchospasm in patients with asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and other lung diseases. Monza further said the positive test was the result of “involuntary ingestion”, adding they would “evaluate the next procedural steps to take”.
Gomez, who previously helped Atalanta reach the Champions League in his seven-year spell in Bergamo, can appeal the decision and he’s made his intentions known via a post on his Instagram page where he stated the banned substance in his system was from his son’s cough medicine.
“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.”
