In a test carried out shortly before the 2022 World Cup, Argentino was caught for using a prohibited substance; player changed club this season
Newly arrived at Monzathe Argentine Papu Gómez received a two-year suspension for doping. World Cup champion in 2022, the player tested positive for a banned substance in November last year, days before competing in the World Cup in Qatar, when he was still defending the Sevilla. The information is from the Spanish website “Relevo”.
The Argentine was caught in a surprise exam during training at the Spanish club. After identifying the banned substance, Papu allegedly justified himself and claimed to have taken syrup from his children the night before to help him sleep.
🚨 BREAKING: World Cup winner Papu Gómez has been banned for doping — reports @relief.
🇦🇷 Two year ban for the Argentine who recently signed with Italian side Monza as free agent after contract terminated at Sevilla. pic.twitter.com/XKNsgGhXlY
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 20, 2023
According to “Relevo”, Papu and Sevilla were already aware of the positive test a few months ago, but the punishment was only confirmed this week. The publication says that the expected suspension weighed on the termination with the Spanish club; the initial contract only ended in 2024, but the link was broken in the mid-year transfer window.
The player would have considered not playing until January, waiting for the punishment to be defined. However, he ended up accepting Monza’s offer, announced three weeks ago. For the Italian club, he played three matches this season.
The 35-year-old Argentine can appeal to try to reduce the punishment, but the continuity of his career is at risk.
Source: sportbuzz
I am William Jackson and I have a passion for sports journalism. With over 3 years of experience in the industry, I have worked in a variety of roles to improve the quality and accuracy of sports news coverage. As an author at Athletistic, I specialize in covering football news and providing comprehensive analysis for fans around the world.
