Papu Gomez handed 2-year ban by FIFA after failing doping test

Monza’s new signing, Papu Gomez, has been handed a two-year ban from professional football by FIFA. The banned substance terbutaline was found in the Argentine’s system in October, when he was playing for Sevilla before going on to win the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. 

Gomez recently returned to Serie A with Monza after leaving Sevilla as a free agent on deadline day. The midfielder has only made two appearances for his new side, albeit without scoring. 

Papu Gomez handed two-year ban from football due to doping 

“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 released by Monza said. 

At 35, this could be a career ending event for the former Atalanta captain. Papu Gomez is yet to officially comment on the matter, but will have the chance to appeal the decision made by FIFA and the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission. 

The player allegedly took a children’s sickness syrup to cope with a bad night’s sleep without consulting Sevilla’s medical staff. However, that excuse has not been accepted by the doping test agency and an appeal process will have to be carried out to reduce the sentence or have it overturned. 

On the other hand, Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba has also been found with testosterone in his system and is set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.