Argentinian World Cup champion, Papu Gomez, speaks out after receiving a two-year suspension for unintentionally using his son’s cough syrup

Argentina’s World Cup winner, Papu Gomez, has broken his silence regarding the doping findings that led to a two-year ban from football.

Terbutaline, a medication used to alleviate shortness of breath caused by lung problems, was detected in a sample taken from Gomez during his time at Sevilla in October 2022. Although both the Argentine winger and his then-club, Sevilla, were informed of the failed test several months ago, the official sanction was only handed down last week.

Gomez has since joined Monza, an Italian club, after spending seven years playing for Atalanta from 2014 to 2021.

Taking to Instagram on a Sunday, he sought to clarify the situation and assert his innocence regarding his use of Terbutaline. He began by stating, “Following recent reports concerning a potential anti-doping regulation violation, I wish to inform the media and the public of the following,” before outlining six key points.

He confirmed that he was recently informed of the Anti-Doping Sanctioning Committee’s decision by the Spanish Commission for the Fight Against Doping in Sports, which resulted in a two-year suspension of his federative license. Gomez emphasized his strict compliance with all regulations and his unwavering commitment to clean sportsmanship, expressing his unequivocal condemnation of all forms of doping.

Furthermore, he insisted, “I have never had nor will I intend to resort to a prohibited practice.” The 35-year-old hinted that he may have inadvertently taken the drug but did not definitively confirm whether he would appeal his ban.

Gomez added, “The alleged violation stemmed from the presence of Terbutaline in my system due to mistakenly, accidentally, involuntarily, and unintentionally consuming a spoonful of my young son’s cough syrup to relieve his cough.” He also highlighted that Terbutaline’s therapeutic use is permitted for professional athletes and does not enhance football performance.

Regarding the handling of the disciplinary proceedings, Gomez entrusted the matter to his legal team, expressing concerns about potential deviations from the regulatory procedures. He concluded by thanking everyone for their expressions of support during these challenging times on a professional level.