Argentine Football Star Papu Gomez Receives Two-Year Ban for Doping Violation

 Argentine Football Star Papu Gomez Receives Two-Year Ban for Doping Violation

Alejandro Gómez of Sevilla FC celebrates with the trophy after the team's victory in the penalty shoot out during the UEFA Europa League 2022/23 final match between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at Puskas Arena on May 31, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary.(Image-Getty)

Argentine professional footballer Papu Gomez, currently affiliated with the Italian team Monza, has been handed a two-year suspension following a doping violation, as confirmed by the Serie A club on Friday.

The veteran forward, aged 35, commenced his tenure with Monza in late September, following a transfer on a free basis. Notably, Gomez contributed to Argentina's triumph in the World Cup last year, showcasing his prowess on the international stage.

According to an official statement released by AC Monza, the FIFA notification on October 20, 2023, informed the Spanish Anti-Doping Commission of the initial ruling against Alejandro Dario Gomez, known within the sports fraternity as Papu Gomez.

In the wake of the doping controversy, the club highlighted the presence of terbutaline in the player's sample, clarifying that the substance is commonly used to alleviate bronchospasm crises. The incident itself traces back to October 2022 when Gomez was representing Sevilla, thus marking a critical juncture in the athlete's career that led to the current ban.