World Cup winner Papu Gomez has challenged a ban issued by FIFA over an alleged positive doping test, blaming the sample on his son's cough syrup.
On Friday, FIFA handed Gomez a two-year ban after a test sample taken in October 2022 - while the Argentine was playing for Sevilla - featured the presence of terbutaline, a prohibited substance used to treat lung problems.
Gomez's current side, Monza, released a statement on Friday highlighting how he had been banned from football for two years.
"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.
Gomez, though, has denied any wrongdoing, stating that his son's cough syrup is the cause for the positive test and he will use lawyers to look into the ban.
"Not only have I always rigorously respected all the rules, but I have also stood up as a strong defender of clean sport and sportsmanship, condemning categorically any forms of doping. I have never used, nor ever had any intention (of) using doping methods," Gomez wrote on Instagram.
"The alleged infringement stems from the presence of terbutaline in my system as a result of accidentally, involuntarily and unintentionally receiving a spoonful of my toddler's cough syrup by mistake.
"I have asked my lawyers to look into the matter as I believe the disciplinary case was not treated according to the rules. It should be pointed out, however, that the therapeutic use of terbutaline is permitted for professional athletes and that it does not in any way improve performance in football."
Gomez started two games for Argentina at World Cup 2022, in the group stage defeat to Saudi Arabia and in the last 16 victory over Australia. While he didn't feature at any other stage in the tournament, the 35-year-old proved an important member of the squad that ended up lifting the trophy in Qatar.
After featuring as an unused substitute for Sevilla in the Europa League final win against Roma, Gomez moved to Monza in search of first-team football. He has made just two appearances for the Serie A side, though, prior to FIFA's banning order.
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