Papu Gómez Reacts To His Two Years Ban From Football

2022 FIFA World Cup winner, Papu Gómez, has reacted to his two-year ban from football, insisting that “the disciplinary case was not treated according to the norms”.

On Saturday, October 21, it was confirmed that Papu Gómez had been banned from anything related to football for two years because a banned substance was found in his system in November 2022.

Interestingly, Gómez failed the drug test before the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but the disciplinary procedure wasn’t concluded before the World Cup commenced.

Despite that, Papu Gómez, who lost his contract with Sevilla due to the doping scandal on September 1, 2023, participated in the World Cup and helped Argentina win it for the third time in the country’s history.

Gómez, who joined the Italian Serie A club, Monza on September 29, 2023, and has until June 30, 2024, before his contract expires, is now expected to stay out of football, including club and international competitions, until October 19, 2025.

Before the ban, the 35-year-old left-winger has managed to play just for 40 minutes in two Serie A games with no goal nor assist.

Based on the statement Papu Gómez released today, the Argentina international is expected to appeal against the ban as he has ordered his lawyers to study the submission of the disciplinary committee that banned him.

Gómez’s statement read, “I confirm that I received word from the Spanish anti-doping commission that my license is suspended for two years.

“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.

“I never, nor do I intend to, relied on a banned practice.

“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.

“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.

“I finally wish to thank all those who showed me affection and support during these difficult moments of my professional life.”