Papu Gomez confirms two-year ban from football as Argentina World Cup winner breaks silence on failed drug test
PAPU GOMEZ has broken his silence after confirming he’s been slapped with a two-year ban for a failed drugs test.
Reports on Friday claimed the World Cup winner with Argentina, 35, had been suspended after receiving a positive test before last year’s tournament.
And Gomez, who left Spanish side Sevilla for Italian outfit Monza over the summer, has now confirmed the ban.
The former Atalanta ace published a lengthy statement to social media revealing that Spanish anti-doping chiefs have “suspended” his licence for two years.
Gomez claims he “accidentally” had some cough syrup meant for his ill son.
As a result, Terbutaline was found in his system during a test by Spanish drugs chiefs.
It is typically used to treat and prevent wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness caused by asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Gomez says it is not an illegal substance for athletes and insists he has never “relied on a banned practice.”
The veteran has now instructed his lawyers to take action before thanking supporters for standing by him.
Gomez’s statement in full read: “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.”
A statement from Gomez’s club Monza on Saturday added: “AC Monza announces that it has received today from FIFA, through the FIGC [Italian FA], notification of the first instance sentence of the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission, issued against the footballer Alejandro Dario Gomez.
“The sentence provides for a two-year disqualification from sporting activities. The presence of Terbutaline was found in the footballer’s biological samples.
“It is a drug taken to calm a bronchospasm crisis, in October 2022, when the footballer was registered for Sevilla FC.
“AC Monza reserves the right to evaluate the next procedural steps.”