By Victor Kanayo
Former World Cup champion with Argentina, Alejandro Papu’ Gomez, has bagged a two-year suspension after failing a drug test before 2022 World Cup.
The test revealed the presence of a prohibited substance in his system.
According to Daily Mail, it emerged that Gomez failed a test for a prohibited substance shortly before the World Cup got underway in November 2022.
He blamed the failed test on taking his children’s sick syrup without consulting with Sevilla’s doctors after having a bad night sleep.
Gomez Past Thrilling Moments
Gomez, who had triumphed in the World Cup last December in a thrilling penalty shootout against France, attributed the failed test to his use of his children’s medicine for a night of poor sleep. Despite his explanation, officials did not find it valid, leading to the ban.
Gomez, renowned for his stint at Atalanta from 2014 to 2021, made a significant impact during his time there, making 252 appearances and scoring 59 goals.
Under his leadership, the club earned their maiden Champions League qualification.
However, his journey with Atalanta ended in early 2021 due to conflicts with manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Following his departure from Atalanta, Gomez spent two-and-a-half years at Sevilla, winning the Europa League last season.
He later joined Monza in Serie A as a free agent after terminating his contract with Sevilla in October.
Now, faced with the ban, Gomez must decide whether to challenge the decision in hopes of reducing or overturning the suspension.
Another former world champion Paul Pogba also faced similar charges in this incident.
