World Cup winner Papu Gómez given 2-year doping ban

Argentine World Cup winner Alejandro “Papu” Gómez has been given a two-year ban for failing an anti-doping check, his Italian membership Monza introduced Friday.

Gomez examined optimistic final October whereas taking part in for Sevilla, shortly earlier than becoming a member of the Argentina squad that went on to win the World Cup.

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“AC Monza announces that today, 20 October 2023, 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,” the statement said.

The membership stated the presence of terbutaline, a drug taken to calm a bronchospasm disaster, was discovered within the participant’s pattern.

The ahead made two appearances for Argentina as Lionel Messi led the nation to its third World Cup title in Qatar in December.

Gómez was on the bench when Sevilla gained the Europa League remaining final season, and he and the membership agreed to terminate his contract Sept. 1. He joined Monza three weeks in the past as a free agent and has performed in two Serie A matches — with out scoring — since returning to Italy.

A former captain of Atalanta, Gomez helped the Bergamo membership to a string of profitable seasons earlier than a falling-out with coach Gian Piero Gasperini led him to depart for Sevilla in January 2021.

Gómez is the second Serie A participant concerned in a doping case this season. Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba examined optimistic for testosterone.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.